I am by no means an expert but I can offer my 2 cents.
1. the higher you build the casting decks, the more shaky the boat. You will get more rocky action if you build too high. I have noticed that the front will be rocky (side to side) more than anything. I have a similar shaped boat.
2...
Looks promising. Looking at the snow, looks like you have plenty of time to get'er done. Plan well and go with your gut. I completed mine last winter. Good luck. Look forward to the updates.
Looks and sounds great =D> . Looks like a success. There will always be things to tinker with, change, modify, replace. But the hard part is done and she floats. Great job.
Good choice. Just recently started using stick baits. Actually been doing good on Berkley 4" weighted worms texas rigged. It just falls away from you (horizontal) ever so slowly and stays in the strike zone. I think I was using green pumpkin. They do get torn up though. I gotta get me some...
Carpeting door hatches was tricky for me. Depending on your carpet thickness, 1/4" inch should give you the right clearance for a snug fit. But you should always dry fit (without any glue) to test the clearance. Personally, I glued the carpet to the deck first and then trimmed/re-cut doors to...
Oh and some wiring from Amazon and the heavier duty ones from Genuinedealz.com (No shipping, no taxes). The T-connectors, that joined two wires into one, are just from Walmart.