It's gonna be awesome when she's done. Looking forward to see how you will attach those paddle wheels. I know you were looking for some solid batteries for your system, waterproof marine batteries to power those wheels are going to be very heavy. Wish I knew more about storing power, guess I got some stuff to learn this holiday. ^^
heavy is good. I want a LOT of weight right down the keel. Hundreds of pounds..maybe a ton.
It originally had twin engines...how much you reckon two engines and outdrives weighed?