Thanks for the additional input.

Another idea that was sent to me mentioned going with a steerable trolling motor on the front and a fixed trolling motor on the back. With this setup, you could have both set to high speed to run long distances while using the front to steer. I think one of those Tommy Martin Big Foot trolling motor switches could be installed in the front so I could turn on/off the back motor without having to change positions.

Lots of different ideas to ponder and price.