I/O vs outboard hull for project

[bigeasy1]

I agree with Corey and Moose.
The I/O hull solves the glasswork on the stern for you, with the benefit of an already closed transom.If you do the transom from the inside, by cutting the rear cap and back panel, you will expose the whole inner transom surface and make it fairly easy to add knees and to install any kind of backing plates when attaching the bracket.
I did this with my Tsunami but I kept it with the I/O .
If I remember right I think the Mercrusier 350 260 hp with the Alpha drive in my boat weighs in around 1000 pounds give or take a bit.