Splitting the hull certainly makes the transom an easier process, but replacing it does not always mandate they be separated. Tim(Still Fishin) did a transom on a Timi without splitting, Doran, I believe, did a half seacast transom on his CVZ. Doug is in the middle of a metric right now and has covered the rebuild quite well on here. You really wont know for certain until you get into it. We all seem to find more as we dig, but once all torn out and cleaned, you can plan for the rebuild. When the plan is laid, and parts/materials on order is when you go fishing or honeydew list.