[chumbucket]

As cbe317 stated, I'm also not sure about the compatability of the newest generation of Johnson/Evinrude motors fitting your existing brackets since the demise of OMC. It's not something I'd recommend anyways to mount a brand new motor onto an obsolete tilt and trim mounting bracket after dropping that kind of cash. I would only go that route if a good used motor for the right price could be found.

As far as notching the transom of your boat to save on your slip fees; not if it were my boat. But it's not so you have to do what you think is right by you. Too many of us wish for a full transom V20 here so I don't think you'll get too many votes to take the chainsaw to that transom. It'd be a shame. I also think it'd be your more expensive repowering option.

Good luck with your decision. Sounds like you're going to have some sleepless nights trying to decide which way to go.