Well after a few weeks of no progress on the boat, had a full weekend of productivity! Weather was nice and the roads were clear so I was able to take the boat to my work and use a crane to pull the motor out, which made that job A LOT easier. Our cherry picker just won't go high enough to get the motor out and over the side. Both the motor and out drive came apart and out quite easily.
So once that was out of the way I was able to see what kind of shape the transom was in. Looking at it from the outside and the engine compartment it looked fine, no signs of rot. However once the out drive was off you could see the wood was rotten, so cut off the fiberglass and scraped off all the wood, I couldn't believe how bad it was! Even for a boat that has been kept in a shed its whole life!!
Along with the removal of the transom we pulled out the motor mounts (which were water logged) and center stringers and the foam beside them. Have a lot of grinding to do to now.
Made the decision to leave the outer stringers and foam how they are, and just replace the center framework and put a new floor over top.
I have been doing a lot of reading and researching on hull design and my Dad and I also have put a lot of thought into the new stringer layout, we are planning on laying 2x10's right in the 'nook' of the strake, ALL the way to the front. I have no idea why Glastron put their stringers so far away from that, other than to fit the gas tank, but that would have been the reason why I have cracks in the gelcoat along the strakes, just not enough support in that area of the hull.
The problem with moving the stringers in closer is that finding a gas tank to fit is becoming very difficult. I have been able to find a plastic tank that would fit, but it'll cost me $1100 bucks (Canadian) to get it, which is a little steep.. Might have to design an aluminum tank to fit, or use 2 smaller tanks..
Here's some pictures of progress!!