Nice and simple, only problem is that people would swing there buzz bombs threw it.I like the new one down at Carseland Its big and all protected, well most of it.It just lacks water.
Most times a wire rapped worm is all you need for weight,you can also use 2 or 3 of the small shot and space them out.A roll cast can work well if its all balanced right.
Princess auto will have what you need for the best price not sure if they have 12V or 120.
Could you not drill some holes in the back and bottom and put a grill on top for the heat to escape?
Years and years of building kitchens i no what 20 inches is so i don't measure.Personally why bother all fish are nice weather its 15" or 20".Like others i no the opening on my net is 23.75".
There all over the back water lately size 20 ish black body green head.I came up with this, the legs or paddles are so small i didn't bother.I'm gonna give it a go this weekend.
When your in the canoe you can't see the paint,hand paint is my vote.
I have a spray paint gun and a compressor you can borrow, i have never used it so your on your own.