new to forum - my V-20 project

[nepatsfanatic]

Hi Guys, just joined the forum after spending much time as a guest. I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge here. I just picked up a V-20 project boat with no motor. I also picked up an 01 Evinrude ficht 225, its powerhead was completely replaced in 03. Its in beautiful shape and I hope to stand run it this weekend. From what I've read it should really be a blast. I think the hull is a 77', ID is WEL00772M77B-V20. The boat is in decent shape overall, needs TLC and paint, floor is solid, stringers solid where I can reach. Transom is another question, I've done the mallet test and have a couple of small areas that sound questionable (few inches only). Where it meets the stringers is rock solid, no cracks anywhere, engine mount area is good, above both stringers and further to the gunwales sounds maybe delaminated a little on both sides (exterior only). I am wondering the best way to test whats in there?. The motor is a 25" and I'm planning to fill in the notch, its a 20" set up now. I'm wondering if I should bite the bullet and just redo the transom completely, the motor is 500+ pounds and the HP will be tough on it. I looked into Seacast and wondered about the weight versus marine ply?, or maybe cpes epoxy injection?. The boat has twin gas tanks, one each side at rear, I'm guessing 20-25 gals each which is considerable weight too. I'd be grateful for your thoughts and ideas, this is my first Wellcraft and Evinrude, had Johnson's and Merc's previously on various rigs. My boating time is 99% in the ocean and that's where me and this beauty are headed someday.

Glad to be here!
Steve