>I would probably mount an outboard on a tube on the inside of the beams, near the lee hull.   Enables 360 degree thrust and is usable when folded.

Good idea.  An electric pod or outboard could also be mounted like that.  Care must be taken with laying up the wiring though, due to the folding.

>Unlikely that inside steering would work satisfactorily.  But a tiller pilot (wheel steering is too complex for a folding boat) with a remote would do the job.

Well, an AutoPilot with remote may be good enough for the steering if it works well, at least in open water, but I would still need a place to sit (or stand) and a 360 degree view.  And I would need control of the sheets.  Electric winches with release/rewind functionality may be one solution, although costly and perhaps too complex.

>Perhaps a dome on the main hatch so you could look around.   I don't know of any polishes that work for more than short periods. 

I have seen ready made dome hatches, but not with a dome high enough for the purpose, I think.

I may also consider lifting the cabin top some centimeters to make room for windows fore and aft, but I know there would be compromises regarding windage and appearance.

There are some new "nano-coating" stuff that comes with lots of promises (i.e. for car windshields), but I have not tried them and cannot speak for their long lasting effect.

I guess I would have to pop my head out of the hatch now and then for a real good view all around anyway.

Rune