All i have to say is, AWESOME JOB Kracker Jack!!
I just spent about two hours reading this whole thread. I learned alot.
I have a 1982 Wellcraft 18 Fisherman. The PO cut the liner all the way across about two foot ahead of the splashwell to do a transom repair, and now the liner is cracking where they halfass repaired it. So i may take the whole liner out and cap the gunnels with open sides. That alone may be enough to allow me put a bracket on the 18.
AND raise the floor if i need to.