The Columbia is not a waterway to take your chances with an unfit boat. My brother and a buddy had a rouge wave take out their windsheild and swamp their 17 ft boat 2 years ago. Luckily they wer close to shore and able to get to safety. It can get dangerous out their real quick. That being said I had a buddy that was very skilled at glass work. He built the glass up on a larger livingston. Raised the bow and gunnels nearly a foot and put a 90 hp 4 stroke on it. It has been his tender and smaller fishing boat for many years in the Puget Sound. They are very good platforms, but you are probably better off finding another boat for this particular fishery. Be safe and good luck.