yeah, foot control is a lot easier on a decked bass boat, I got the exact same motor but the foot control one now "bow mount" I never had a problem with my trolling motor and that's why I bought another Jarvis Walker.
Yeah.My boat is currently been converted.Doing the decking,livewells,foot control and fish finder.All i can advise is 2 purchase a proper bass boat from start.The converting process costs alot of moola..