transom height, to change or not to change?

[sparrow]

Hey guys, this site rocks! I've got a 1974 20' SF that needs to be completed. interior glass work and fairing, non skid deck, and a few exterior patches, paint, wiring,steering,motor... You get the point. I am embarressed to say but I got the boat midway through its restore. I thought, sure, no problem, i'll finish this off, it'll be a thing of beauty! That was a year ago and not a lot has changed. Between now and then I got married and bought a house, and yada yada. Anyway, the fella who gave me the boat did the transom for a 20" motor. A. Who knows if he did a good job? B Is it worth my time to replace it anyway(being a first timer) when I do have carpentry skills, but not a lot of time or money. I still need to buy all the other stuff, like a motor and lights and the basic staples for it? I do see the benefit of the higher transom or even a bracket project! Yes, I am preplexed and a greenhorn. For now I'll just pretend my yard is the water and my driveway is the dock. Thanks. Oh yeah, what's the best way to make sure the fiberglass that I apply wont decide to crack or peel down the line?