Time for a New Transom(Any shops in SWFL?)

[Max_Florida]

I am really kicking myself for not re-doing the transom when I repowered in the fall. I bought a brand new 115 Optimax Pro XS.

Mercury dealer says $1600 to extend it to 25" and still keep the remainder of the 5 year warranty it came with. (alternative would be to find a way to extend it cheaper and risk voiding the warranty)

Trading up to a 25" 125HP(the 115 Pro XS doesn't come in 25" length) would cost $2700.

I am debating whether or not to raise the transom 5". I know it's a safety issue, but to date I haven't had any real issues with water coming over the cut-out. (We don't back down fish because we really only spearfish)

I guess I'm wondering what your guys' thoughts are. Is it worth it to spend an extra $1600+ to have a 25" transom?