Boat Ideas

I sold my boat about a year ago and have been itching for another one. It would be used mostly for shorter runs on smaller waters and swamps in the basin, for duck and deer hunting, usually solo but I have children that I hope to be taking with me more and more as they grow.

I'm leaning towards a mud type hull with longitude braces, powered most likely a copperhead or a long tail. I've never owned a skiff but it seems it would fit my hunting needs well, especially navigating tight swamps. They're also less expensive from what I can tell.

I was wondering if anyone ever slapped a trolling motor on a skiff for bass fishing? I would like a boat that won't get dented up easily but at the same time i don't want a 17' tank i can't handle on my own if i get it in a jam. I'd like to go as small as possible without too many regrets. Currently i'm looking at extreme metal fabrication online.

tldr, need boat recommendations for air cooled motor and can you bass fish out of a skiff.