Seafari transom outboard rebuild

[jboatdoc]

I work in the boating bussiness but I am always interested in what people think. I recntly purchased a 1974 SC Seafari with an inline 115 six merc. The motor is being replaced by a newer Merc 150 v6.

The transom appears to be in good shape but I would like a little more room,larger seating in the aft and a live well. My question is has anyone closed in the transom of a outboard 20 footer? Did you cut the outside skin off and close it in? Make a mold and do a pour in transom? or even try it from the inside?

I managed to come across thru connections a porta-bracket brand new in the box for next to nothing, so I figure close in the transom, add a live well where the motor well is with a lid on it that can be a seat when the live well isnt being used and Im good to go. I just havent decided which way to do the transom is best. I realize that putting the weight farther aft is going to affect my deck drains which really in the factor of things of what I will be doing to the transom is minor. Any suggestions or advise will be thankful

JB