Ok from where you are going to fish, I fish those waters a lot. I bought a 14' jon boat with the 36" bottom brand new at bass pro spring of 08'. I purchased a 65# foot control trolling motor. 2 group 27 deep cycle batteries, a $200 fish finder/gps, and Trailer. I then decked the front and carpeted it and mounted by pedelstal seat up front with a seet mounted on the reer bench. I wiegh around 250# and my trolling motor with batteries and front deck add another 170# roughly. But with the trolling motor on speed 5 I go about 5.1 to 5.3 MPH by my GPS I can can fish Springfield lake on just my trolling motor on speed 3 avg for over 8 hrs of power fishing. Then I have a 10hp Suzuki that will psh me around where ever I go. With all this in mind I spent around $2300 The suziki was already paid for. Well from fishing Springfield lake you wont have to many problems with your boat untill you use your out board and you WILL get leaks. You go down the river you will accelerate this. 6 mnths in 17 leaks. I had every rivet welded by BPS. I REALLY RECOMEND go with all welded, it is worth it if you ever want it to last longer than a yr. I would really consider at least 48" wide bottom toofor the stability. I am more than welcome to take you out in mine to show you how it fishes, so you see what you really want. Just PM me for more questions