Re: Transom support.
Depending on how the boat was kept/stored, and how generous the owner was with 5200 when replacing screws in the transom, it might be OK - my '71 had a solid transom but I decided to replace it anyway during the complete rebuild.
I see the metal plate option as a temporary band-aid on a larger issue. I know that's not what you want to hear, but you have a 31 year old boat (cheer up, it's two years newer than mine!). I'd go ahead and use it until it really obviously needs to be repaired and then have the whole transom replaced - from the INSIDE.
I had a manual jackplate on my '77 SeaCraft 18' in order to make room for the hydraulic steering, and the set-back meant that the stern sat even lower in the water....on an already a$$ heavy boat.
If that crack across the transom is the biggest issue you are facing, you are doing just fine. Get a full Summer out of it and then go for a new transom. Just my vote
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