New to this site but experienced boating with bigger boats. Tying to put together a reasonably priced 15 to 17 foot alum boat set up with a little character to it. I have a 1992? low hour runs good Merc Short shaft 40, 4 cyl two stroke, weighs 177lbs (little heavier than a 25 hp 4 stroke - before they came out with the light ones, anyway). Tiller steer. Wanted to find an older alum v-hull that will fish two people, take a little chop. Low maintenance is priority - I have a bay boat if the desire to scrub decks overwhelms me. Mostly fishing marsh and bays in south La., specs and reds, freshwater panfish bass boat also - has to have trolling motor. Maybe hard to mount on pointed bow, but got to have it. There are a few new $2500 to $3500 new aluminum jon boats that will fit a short shaft engine and take a 40 - but not looking to go "new" or $$$ with an older engine that may retire itself unexpectedly. and then stuck with a new 4k to 5k short transom boat and trailer. I have been reading posts on this forum and there seem to be some older hulls that work well (Starcraft, etc.) for others. Any ideas appreciated. Plan B is sell the motor and start from scratch. Thanks for suggestions.