2 questions: Filling in Transom and Extending Hull length

[Chesapeake Troller]

Hi to all,

Great site! I just found you guys and wish I had had this type of resource when I was a V20 owner!!

I am a previous owner of a V20 ('84 with a flush deck cabin and 488 I/O) and am looking to come back to the dark side with a project hull. It is a center console w/o engine I can get for less than $1,000. I am looking to fill in the transom completely and add a outboard bracket and was hoping to get some pointers from those whom have already blazed that trail.

On my second question; a glass and restoration guy here in Florida and I were discussing this hull a couple of years ago and he wanted to take a 20 and extend it's length when modifying the transom for the installation of a bracket. Anybody done or heard of this being done and have thoughts and suggestions on the idea? I like the idea of more room in the cockpit (As you might get from my name, I prefer to troll and the more uncluttered space in the back the better). Also the greater length for what I preceive to be better riding and stability (not that the 20 is bad in either, I just would like to run farther offshore for what I do and the extra length would also allow for a larger tank). On the flip side, I know nothing about the risk of doing this from a safety position...Would it even be workable?

Thanks for your help and advice in advance guys.

CT