I would certianly get a spinning reel to go with it as opposed to hearing some people just wrapping line somewhere around the rod itself, I couldn't imagine trying to use it that way.....
Anyhow....I would try....for the front of the boat to go no shorter than 8'......I personally go 8', 10', 12' and 14' off each side in the front....giving me 8 rods total in front.....you can build up to that.....maybe starting with just 10' and 12'....since you said you are only going to use 4 rods in front!
Off the back I use rods ranging from 5' to no larger than 7'.....my 7's are on the far outside of each side....and they in no way interfere with my 8's in the front because they are not straight out to the side...they are angled more like 45 degrees....
Not to mention, the person in the front is usually fishing heavier than the person off the back to avoid line conflict.
I hope this helps!
I won't be at work........I'm feelin' crappie today!
><)))*>