Problem - Solution

[tsubaki]

First off that's my kind of solution!

[phatdaddy]

very few problems a new boat can't handle

[reelapeelin]

Man that is right in my wheelhouse to set up...I had a 16' Big Jon by Lowe long ago that I bought new and just as bare bones as yours...I had more fun settin' that thing up and nearly broke down when I sold it in favor of one of the worst boats I ever owned.

See those ribs runnin' fore & aft under the side to side braces...that's where you'll run gray electrical conduit to get wire front to back.

12 or 24 volt elec motor?...in other words 1 or 2 batteries..the good news is you don't have to worry about batteries taking a beating in the bow, cuz that's not the environment this boat is for, nor will the 8 hp be enough to pound the bow...so the elec motor battery or batteries can go inside the hatch under the front deck..if they'll fit
The other good news is the 8 won't need but a single 4-6 gal tank which should go in the splashwell...since I had a 40 hp elec start, mine held two 6's

Consider you'll be sitting for long periods trolling, holding onto the tiller...easiest way to do that is w/the seat tuned TOWARD the port gunwale and feet up on that gunwale...w/that in mind, I mounted my sonar on the bench between my feet...worked GREAT and comfortable forever...if you agree, plan to make or find some kind of box to mount the sonar on top and switches, fuses, etc inside, so ALL electricals are in one place.

Your electric motor selection...IF you can find one the right size w/a wireless remote, that'll mean you can position yourself front seat or back and still have control...and if the battery(ies) will go under that front deck, that'll mean you don't have to run a heavy gauge wire from bow to stern...get all that done and let me know and I'll give ya the rest...damn I wish I could come help you w/this!!...gonna be FUN!!...

[reelapeelin]

If you decide to add a floor...I used a single sheet of treated 3/4 ply front to back, notched at each brace so it fit all the way side to side...you'll need a shim between each brace in the middle and the 3/4 so no sag in the middle...and if you know how to KERF the ply, you can make it follow the curve all the way to the front deck...I covered mine w/light brown indoor/outdoor carpet and it couldn't have looked or worked out better

[SkunkBoat]

First things first...You need some RODHOLDERS!

[willy]

Thats what I need an Old Geezer that has been there and done that. Will call you tomorrow Rev Ozzie. Or you can return that call you told me about last week.
I know, you had a hot date!

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by willy

Thats what I need an Old Geezer that has been there and done that. Will call you tomorrow Rev Ozzie. Or you can return that call you told me about last week.
I know, you had a hot date!

You know I called you back...but you dodgin the call by then...

Yeah, Man...gimme a call...

[macojoe]

I wish I had your problems! Congrats looks like a nice little rig!!

I am getting real depressed with the up coming season just about here, and no boat for the first time in 20 years!

[chumbucket]

Perfect solution willy. Brilliant!!!