I would go with the welded tin especially with the rocks by you.Dent a riveted seam bad & you will probably have a leak.
You should be good with the 14 footer,just watch the weather on any sizable lakes.
I'd rebuild the carb.
Starting fluid in a 2 cycle [-X
Good way to do damage to your motor.
You'd be better to have a little bottle of pre mix if it needs an extra shot.
Can you back your idle screw out so it misses?On my motors if I turn the idle screw all the way in it will quit.
Maybe lil blu will pop in & give his opinion.
Just take it easy till you get used to it.Everybody has there own limitations.
I, once in a while, put a 40hp on a 1240vee. Now you know what kinds of person is giving you his opinion. :LOL2:
No, you don't need the piece that's gone.I am a welder & have welded a few like yours.It can be done without taking lower apart or off as far as that goes.