2 questions: Filling in Transom and Extending Hull length

[Seaducer]

I know that you don't like two engines, but here is an example when two is better. You are even just 10 miles offshore and your engine dies. Hopefully you either have a really good paddle or twin engines. As for a 150, I am a faster kind of guy, and would recommend twin 90s or 115s. I agree that twin inboards and I/Os are high maintenance, but todays outboards are movin' on up. I guarantee that twin 115s at midrange will get better mileage than a 150 at top end. My father had a V20 in the late '70s with twin jonnyrude 85s and says that it would get on a plane with just one. He also says that he would go 30+ miles offshore with just the 40 gallons, and that was before the great world of fourstroke outboards. I also read that you like to troll. How about a 9.9 kicker or something? That would save gas, provide an extra engine, and be great for trolling. I'll bet even that would be better than a kicker.