[macojoe]

First drill the plugs out 1 or 2 sizes smaller, then you can use a sharp screw driver to clean the rest out.

Go to your west marine or boaters world and buy a leanth of rail and needs and make you own brackets if yours don't fit.

I would put every thing toghter and have some one hold it up while you make adjustments and mark transom, then install.

I had to use shims when I installed my motor bracket cause it had full platform, and it did not curve around transom.
You should be able to cut a row of slats out in the middle to make up for the curve.