how to access transom are for complete repair

just got through checking out the mako classic site. lots of info on transom repair. i am repowering with a johnson 225 on my v-20 fisherman center console. my transom will need to be replaced first though. i have done this before on a 14 footer but nothing ever requiring the strength for a 225. i have removed the rub rail and center console. now it seems that the cap of the boat is only held in by screws that were hidden behind the rub rail. can i pull these screws and get some friends together to pull the cap up and forward about 3 feet to access the rotten transom. if it is this easy to remove the cap, when i say cap i mean the part from the rubrail up and into the inside of the boat. can we just pull the entire cap off the baot and rest it in the grass????????? the mako guys just cut out the back of the cap but that looks scary. also i see all these different types of materials being use dfor the transom replacement. alot of people in the mako site are using marine ply. is this good . sounds less expensive. thats what i need. how much is a 4x8 sheet of 3/4 marine ply??anything helps thanks