Weight up front is a definite consideration, there's plenty to play with there as a new fuel tank and batteries will be going in as well.
The motor is right on max hp for the hull (well, over when you consider it's rated at the prop not the motor) however it's still a great boat even with the motor sitting 5+inches lower than ideal, a pod even if not perfect is likely to make it better
Oh and the transom will be redone after a few test runs to make sure positioning etc is perfect