Help with SSB

[SCCatSailor]

I have an ICOM 710 (with 130 tuner) which has never worked very well (can hear a little sometimes and have never tried to transmit), but I'm now trying to get it up and running. Based on some "expert" opinions and some research, I'm going to try to correct some installation problems, but would like to hear more opinions.

The tuner is mounted direrctly under the radio and a looong way from the antenna. This seems to be exactly the opposite of how it should be? I'm thinking relocation of the tuner is a must?

I don't see any copper strapping anyhwere, so am going to add some. I've seen a recommendation of at least 100 square feet, which would be 400 lineal feet of 3 inch strapping? That would be fine, except then I couldn't carry any food, water, spares, clothes, wife, etc. I understand that with strapping "more is better", but what is realistic, i.e. how much have others used with acceptable results?

I've also read that it helps to attach the strapping to metal objects like metal tanks and keels. One source, though, said these object should be below the waterline. Is that necessary? Most of my larger metal objects are above the waterline (and I don't have a keel).

I do have a ground plate on the outside of the hull, to which several wires are attached for grounding. Can this boat ground also be used for the SSB ground and should/can the copper strapping be attached to this?

Thanks all for your help.