I recently picked up my 10 foot aluminum flat bottom jonboat
from home.  I've had it for years and fished from it before on
local small ponds.  I used a small cheap OLD jcpenney trolling
motor just because it was free, and my dad gave me an older
Deep-cycle battery (after replacing his) for power.  Here's
the breakdown:

10 feet exactly in length.  45 inches across at the widest
point of the boat, 42 inches at rear of boat, and 36 inches at
front.  I plan on using it in protected coves of local lakes
near boatramps, and some smaller water.  I plan on carrying a
full bag of tackle, 4-6 rods, one oar, a trolling motor and a
battery, and maybe a small icechest.  I'm small (140 pounds)
so stability is great for me.  I tried to attach photos but
I'm not sure if they worked.  If you can see in the pictures,
I usually fish in standing on the Middle "seat" as
my "deck"  I put my rods to my sides, and I put my
tackle in the front to try and even out the weight.  I don't
want to add anything permanent to the boat, as I can lift it
myself and carry it out of my vehicle.
  
My questions are:

Would a 36 pound thrust transom-mount trolling motor, with a
36" shaft push this boat around well enough?  I have been
looking at the endura model by Minn Kota.  They are priced
reasonably and my friend owns one that works well.  I was
wondering if the 36" shaft would have any advantages over
the 30" shaft?  Also would I maybe just be better off
with the 30 pound thrust?

Next is Battery selection.  This is the area that I know the
least aobut.  All I want from a battery would be strong long
lasting life.  I was wondering what would be the best way to
do this?  I was thinking of even carrying 2 smaller batteries,
any suggestions?  I would like to be on a lake for 4-7 hours
of use. 

thank you all so much in advance, any more questions just ask,

thank you!

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/4806-sideangled-3.jpg


http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/4807-Rear-3.jpg


http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/4808-Front-3.jpg

Attachment #1, (.jpg file)
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Attachment #3, (.jpg file)

Dustin,
That boat looks like a fun project.
Either the 36 or 30 pound trolling motor should work fine for
that boat. If all things were equal I would go ahead and get
the 36# one and just run it at the low speed, then you have
the extra power if you ever need it. As far as the shaft
length just measure to make sure your not hanging too low
below the boat for when you get up real shallow.
Any good deep cycle battery should be OK. I got a marine deep
cycle from Costco and I can run my 14' v-hull all day long on
it.

Good luck!