I like West. The bilge holes, I would drill out clean and do two thin coats of glass tape. Sand well between, if possible in the bilge also. Attach a mounting fiber board in bilge and screw bilge pump to that.
There are a lot of pilots that care for their own aircraft and are very good. Ask around. My doctor took care of all his planes and got his airframe license.
I used a 13' boston whaler and did well. Others used 16-19' aluminum skiffs. Remember to pick your weather and try to get another group interested, another boat is safer and the laughter is worth it.