Overhauling a 1979 20ft MA

[ROBCAR]

About 2 weeks ago a purchased a 20ft MA. The boat was not in bad shape (at least that's what I thought). Perhaps I got inspired by reading Stricks' amazing posts on "here we go again" that gave me the courage to tackle this project. I don't have much experience working with resins, glass or paint. What I do have is a very strong desired and the image in my head of what I would like the boat to look like. I had boats before, but never a Seacraft (my dream boat).

So, I would like to get your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and to share your experiences in order to minimize any major screw ups on my part. I have same pics that I will try to post to give you an idea of what things looked like on day one.

My biggest question now is, since I have to redo the transom (their is mulch inside).......should I close the transom?....I always wanted a bracket, but wouldn't required me to get new steering and controls cables, power steering (doesn't have it) and a cosmetic modification to stern of the boat because of how high the two storage boxes sit in the back?