New to me boat - soliciting ideas

[skunked again]

A couple pics to get started.
Its a 2016 Lowe UV 1467, with a 2015 9.8 Tohatsu, a 30# TM on the transom, Garmin 53 CV. Previous owner has installed nav lights, blue interior lights, bilge pump. Quite nicely I might add! Some of the best wiring I've seen on a used boat ! !
Just bought it last Night. A nice blank canvas to work with.

- Get a cup of coffee, I have lots of questions ! -

What would you do?
Been watching some videos, looking at pictures of what people have done. Getting some ideas. Will be for bass and crappie, and maybe even throwing some jugs out for catfish.
I'm thinking a deck with storage. The front and middle bench's appear to be on the same plane. Make the top of the deck flush with the tops of the bench's? Which will keep the center of gravity lower when fishing, have less depth for storage, more freeboard on top of the deck to the gunwale. Or have the deck above the bench's? Higher center of gravity, more depth for storage, less freeboard to the gunwale, maybe even incorporate a rod locker. Am I missing any other pro's\con's? Style of fishing dictates?

I have it in my head I want a TM with spotlock. New is too much money, see budget below. Seen a few used Ultrex's on craigslist. I've had cable drive TM's for forever, not sure how remote would work for me. Can you talk me into one or the other? Save room without a foot pedal? CAYMAN GPS NEW MODEL WITH ANCHOR MODE ON REMOTE One of these? They good or bad?

No livewell is planned for this build. When I keep fish, they go in a cooler. Will just set this on the deck. No tournament fishing either.

Budget - $3000. This needs to include EVERYTHING ! From decking to framing to seat mounts to screws\rivets to flooring to trolling motor, you get it.

[DockShootinJack]

I would put on the trolling motor I wanted and smile big while fishing. I would forego the decks. I prefer to stand in the bottom of the boat. Puts me closer to the water. For running jugs and shooting docks low to the water helps out a lot. If I put a deck in it It would be completely removable. I had an old 14 Crosley Sled boat very similar to that one but fiber glass. It was one handy do all type boat.

[skunked again]

Thank you!

Buckeye crappie - thank you for rotating the pictures!

[slowhand]

Fish out of it for a month or two to see how it feels to you before making any mods. Each boat has its own personality and quirks. Additions should address comfort, efficiency and safety.
Your list should adapt accordingly.
Congrats on the new boat and your journey into the never ending hole.

Sent from my SM-T500 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[DWILL]

I'm like Jack do it up the way you want it. I do stuff to my Nitro that makes me comfy. I'm like DSJ though I like being lower to the water and that doesn't always work on my bass boat's front deck. I find myself fishing from the center of the boat so leaning to the water doesn't have me leaning or down on my knees as much. When fishing from the center of the boat that handheld control would be a great tool. (I think) Have fun and take your time you'll get it just the way you want it.... then you'll find something else you want to add. Trust us it's easy to get hooked.

[BuckeyeCrappie]

I don’t think I would add a deck either. Keep in mind you have a small main motor when making modifications. If It was me I would make the most judicious purchase of a TM with SpotLock and do small minor things for added fishability/comfort.

[DWILL]

Oh I forgot...
B-break
O-out
A-another
T-thousand
still rings true

[KokomoTerror]

I had an older boat similar to this. Agree with not raising the floor too much - lower the better for these boats. But, I did build up the floor to the side walls. That made it flat and much easier to walk and maneuver in the boat. I also cust an access hole in the center seat - removed enough foam so the battery fit snuggly in that new "compartment". It just got the battery out of the way, and cleaned up the wires. I then just hinged a piece of aluminum to cover the battery. The last thing I did - if you have enough room up front - I made a platform for the trolling motor. This created some dry storage under there, and provided the TM up front - I really like pulling the boat when trolling - much better control. YMMV - good luck with the build.

I do agree that you should fish with it at least 10 times before making any adjustments. What worked for me may not work for you. Good luck!

[skunked again]

Thanks All !
All valid points. Gonna use it a few times, then decide.

[skunked again]

Got the trolling motor mounted. It's a Bow mount hand control edge 55# 52" shaft. Put a piece of plywood across the bow to mount it, might switch that to aluminum sheet, budget will dictate. Already had the piece of plywood. Have two 27 series batteries in front of the middle bench. The picture is also with cooler and gear for the day. The good news is, it still planed out, quite effortlessly.
Definitely need something over the batteries, between the front and middle bench, walking around is challenge! Cooler, life jackets, throw cushion, tackle box, you get it!! I wont go any higher than the top of the bench seats. That will still leave some 8-9" from proposed floor to gunnel.
Been watching some boat build\mod videos. Tiny Boat Nation, Anthony Jones, Fireant, Etc. Believe it or not, I'm actually trying to take my time with this!!!

I'm wanting to push cranks. What rod holders would you recommend? T-Bar, Individual? Brand?

I'd love to shoot docks, however, not enough around here to matter.