Scatwood hydro

[NEW222]

Hi there. I am new to the boat world and have a few questions that I would like to have cleared. I am scratch building a 16" Hydro called Scatwood from plans. My questions are regarding the build. 99% of the parts call to be made from 1/16" ply. Ply here is very pricy, so I have found a small piece of 1/16" veneer. I am using the veneer for the hull bottom and sides. 1/8" balsa is substituted for formers and bulkheads with the transom being 1/8" laminated with 1/16". All will be brushed with fiberglass resin before sheeting the boat in. Also is there a cheap alternative motor/power system that can be used in this thing. I was going to make it a, cough cough, air boat with tractor configuration if I cannot find a cheap power system. It originally called for an Atwood air or water cooled outboard.

Just another little thing. This was published in 1954.

Thank you in advance for your help.