Alright ... everything worked out just fine! I mixed it up until it stood in peaks. I had some minor slumping, but nothing like before. I coated the raw edge and the inside of the new bolt holes. I went over it well, touching up the areas that appeared to soak into the wood, until I had a uniform gloss. Is one coat sufficient? Should I now coat the bilge area with black gelcoat? I know it's not going to be seen ... what do you think?
Also, I need to cut a corner off the trim tab, as it is interfering with the transom shield. If you look at the photograph of the transom, I placed a red circle around the area that I have marked with a sharpie. Should I allow a 1/4" gap between the tab and the shield? What is the best method to cut stainless steel?
On the outside of the transom, I have some areas that I smeared epoxy onto. I'd like to clean that up, before I install the shields. What grit sandpaper would be sufficient to accomplish this, without damaging the existing gelcoat?