Welcome to the crazy place...That Ipilot yer talkin'a bout is the BOMB...if it works as advertised, you won't be luggin' that anchor up and down any more...
Striper fish Cumberland!!...been wantin to do that since early 90s...there are some LARGE stripes in that lake...do ya'll live bait 'em or what??
If it were me, Id' build the front wall of the splashwell taller rather than trying to raise the transom...assuming it's as strong as you indicate...if you ever have to rebuild, you can go back w/25"er then...I agree that center hatch would be good for batteries...suggest a pair of 21s to operate that Minn Kota...they are GREAT, but will not tolerate low voltage, so you want big batts...also suggest an onboard charger Guest 2611 is good to keep those batteries HOT all the time...just leave plugged in 24/7 ...SO easy...if the MK ever starts acting up, check all connections and battery levels first..you chose an EXCELLENT big lake boat to striper fish and once you get her dialed in, the Optimax will be perfect motor...great fuel economy and possibly one of the most powerful 150s around!!...
