Any thoughts/experience with a hull shape or material for getting through
small-scale ice? We have about a mile to travel; occasionally a skim of
ice forms overnight (OK, today it was more than a skim).

We've always used a 14x4' flatbottomed skiff, of ply/epoxy, lots of glass
built up on the chines. The bow lifts up onto the ice, and breaks through
at the chines. The motor then cuts a third channel down the middle. This
works, but backing up can be tough, and slight variations in thickness can
cause control problems.

Also, props - small motor props (OMC, Tohatsu 8's) do OK with the ice, but
the Yamaha 25's prop got chewed to bits yesterday. Any experience with
Pirhanha's in the ice?