I am thinking that what you did is the ticket. I dont like a livewell in the front of the boat either. I am glad to hear that you had the room to move the fuel tank fowar, that is what i would like to do. I notice some 23's gas tanks do not extend into the other compartments were their options for bigger tanks? I will check out your pictures in further detail for more ideas. thank You for your help. I have been involved in a Mako 23 project this winter that is ongoing and has been prety cool. check it out at
www.skimmeroutdoors.com under refurbishing the skimmer on the home page.
thanks again, George