Yeah, the looks you get must be absolutely PRICELESS!!!!
I used my 8' johnboat last year on late ice that was only 2.5-3" and it worked great. Used my spud bar to push myself out and used a rope tied to the dock to pull myself back in. Definitely the safest way to ice-fish early and late. (of course a couple inches of snow on top would probably negate my method)
Now that I see your setup, I'm thinking it would be even better if I could rig something up to make it self-propelled!