Help with '75 18 ft Seacraft project

[adamcannon]

I am just getting started on my 1975 18ft seacraft. I am competely redoing everything. New floor, stern, paint, gelcoat, and motor bracket. I will try to post some pics of the progress from start to finish. I am going back with all composite material and I ordered an aluminum bracket w/swim platform. My brother-in-law is a very experienced fiberglasser and painter but I may need some input when it comes to mounting the bracket and motor. I was wondering if a 115hp motor would be sufficient for my boat. I am closing in the stern and the bracket I ordered has a 26" offset. I'm not sure how high to mount the bracket or if I will need a 20" or 25" shaft. I have tons of questions as you might would guess. I have a t-top and leaning post that came with the boat when I bought it which I love, but I'm not sure how to position it in the boat to make it where it is not stern heavy. This is my first seacraft and I like the potter hull design. I have never ridden in one of these boats but everyone I talk to say it is by far the best mono hull boats money can buy. Any input on horse power, setup of console, and bracket mounting would be appreciated. This is a great website and look forward to talking to some of you about your trails and tribulations that may save me the headachs that I am sure alot of you have already been through and learned about the hard way. Thank you for your time.
Adam