V-drive construction

Currently designing interiors and pannels for my old v-drive refitting project i have come to one simple issue, I need you to help me design the motor enclosure and rear sittings so that they are easy for reaching the engine in case of repairs and clever in space for storage.
Any ideas/recommendations are appreciated
Here's my first draft


My plan is to have accomodate 3 people on the back, 2 in the passengers side and the driver.
hope to get some feedback!!

I would have the bottom and the backrest of the seat be one piece and have it hinged at the front with removable pin hinges. Then have the back covers hinged at the rear and they'd come down and "attach" to the seat backrest. Then you could flip those base covers up and fold the bench forward(or with removable pin hinges take it right out) and wa la easy access to the engine.

what kind of boat are you redoing?

I'm redoing an old 18' boat, beam is 7'5''
The entire thing must be rebuilt, stringers, floor, electric instalation, mechanics.
Only the hull is in good shape.
This boat uses an hidraulic 1:1 gear transmission (direct drive tranny) and remote V-drive unit with reduction.
I plan to install a Ford 351w in it and a velvet tranny, the V-drive is a local one (made in argentina.
This will be an improvised wakeboat, but believe me the wake behind this things is awesome.
I need some help designing the rear part of it to optimize storage spaces.
Other issue I cant decide is about the passenger's sittings, clamshell as most v-drives or ski style for only 2 persons.
As for the helm, a fixed position or a rotatory chair
As I posted before, any comment is much appreciated

cool an old tru v-drive boat.
post a pic of what your starting with.

Transom: all the steel handrails are to be removed, exhaust will have a curve to fume under water
The ladder will be removed and will install a removable wood swim platform.

Cockpit: Dash will be moved behind the steering wheel, hopefully I'll get my hands on some Teleflex Sahara gauges, problem is with speedos, wich have little accuracy over 20-30miles.
A rear view sitting goes against the current dash (ski boat style) and the current windshild will be replaced by a curved one with access to the bow

Overall: Deck will be white, with a soft cream to cut sun reflection/eye burning, thus reducing temperature.
the sides will be bright black and the botton same colour as deck
The curved windshield will give it a completely modern look, remember this boat is from 1974
All hardware will be chromed or polished steel, except for the rudder and prop, wich will be polished.
I plan on adding it fins for improved tracking, but dont know wich configuration works best for it.
Fuel tank is under the bow, but i'm planning on having some automatic ballast system installed under the floor below it to sink it evenly while boarding

cool.
for a speedo, go with perfect pass, or there are several thru hull paddle wheel units available. such as this one: http://store.wmjmarine.com/c14957.html
as far as seating arrangement, look at some of the modern boats and go from there.