re: Need input in designing duck boat..

I had a CC gator tail that was pretty nice. Definitely would get catwalks again. Mine were 10" at the widest point. They're great for sitting while landing fish/reaching out of the boat, standing on when needed, using for shell box shelf/coffee cup shelf while blind is up and for the blind to rest on while in the down position. Also, I added rod holders under the catwalks which held 3-4 rods on either side. Nicely stowed the rods/reels away off the floor. I hate having a lot of crap on the floor.

I had the pipe rail all the way down both sides of mine that were awesome for my young sons to hold on to and for use in tying the blind and other misc things to.

I had the rear enclosed deck which I loved for fishing. I hate having to fish off the floor. It was nice having it for storage as well, but not optimal for duck hunting as it makes it awkward for whoever is in the back. All these things add weight but my preference is to have the niceties over speed.

Battery charger was nice as I did not have one prior to owning that boat.

Had a nice Lowrance depth finder/gps which I used A LOT. So glad I had that thing in the marsh and on Catahoula in the fog. Would not own another boat without.

Hydroturf...would not own another aluminum boat without it.

Lastly, I'd look at Prodigy Boats website for some design ques. They've done some cool things like the fishtail transom area setup and the under catwalk trays. Frankly if I get another aluminum boat it will be one of theirs.