Re: here are the pics
No, if your transom is rotted, the only thing that will make it strong, is repairing/replacing it. Bolting metal to the fiberglass will most likely just damage the fiberglass. The transom gets its strength from being attached to several points, including the hull, cap, and stringers. It all ties in together.
Just bolting random pieces of steel to different parts isn't going to give you any structural integrity, though they might spread SOME of the stresses out across a larger area for the short term.
If you're going to go through with this restoration project, you'll need to repair the transom first thing. It will probably end up being one of the easiest parts of the overall structural repairs you're going to have to do. But the integrity of the entire boat relies on it being good and solid. The stringers will tie into it later, so you need the transom to be solid before you move on to them.
Browse through some of the other threads on here. Many an amateur (and many a pro for that matter) has replaced a transom, and done a good solid job of it. And many of them have documented the progress in words and pictures for the rest of our benefit. Check out Oops' thread.
A lot of stuff in that thread is going to be applicable to your restoration project.
Good luck, and hang on! It's gonna be a bumpy ride. Luckily, you've got a supportive and enthusiastic wife at your side!
