Hoping we have a small engine expert here. :D
I have a 2000 Yamaha 2 stroke 5hp motor and I just did a carb kit on it but I obviously wasn't paying attention when I took it apart.
I removed the reed valve block as I got a new gasket for it but the new oem Yamaha one has a small bead of...
I'll say yamaha, just because I'm a Yamaha guy.
If it's a smaller boat I would say an older 2 stroke would be the best way to go. My boat is only 10' and my 5hp Yamaha is a nice balance of weight and enough power to plane the boat.
As far as the newer technology goes related to a motors oomph...
I have a 2000 Yamaha 5 hp 2 stroke. I found the website boatinfo.no has this manual and I can browse it, but the site is kinda flaky and I don't have the computer skills to download the manual. If anyone has a hard copy to sell or a link to a downloadable version of the 1997-2003 Yamaha...
As long as you are not putting a tension load regularly on the rivnuts aluminum will be fine. If they are just for boards on the bench seats I wouldn't worry about using aluminum.
I personally don't see a benefit on an AGM for a small electric trolling motor as far as the cost goes, but then again I'm a cheap Scotsman :D and yes the Schumacher is a smart charger that will not overcharge your battery.
I think my charger cost $70cdn so I guess you could pick one up for...
I was just browsing the buy/sell forum and found this
https://forum.tinboats.net/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=40420
It looks like some kind of rail hangers attached to the ribs. This might work for you.
I use a Scumacher charger and a deep cycle Group 24 battery. My battery is from a local battery store, but lots of guys I know use Costco deep cycle batteries.
I have a 28lb Minn Kota for my 10ft Alumacraft. It won't get you anywhere very fast, but it works great for trolling around a lake.
I put my battery at the bow to move some weight forward.
I don't have any photo's at hand, but I use a piece of square section pool noodle that I attach to my mid bench with industrial velcro.
I cut a couple of slots in the noodle and just push the rod sections down into it :)