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Aside from being nominated for the next Darwin award for the way I jacked up my engine... the other concern I had was what I'd find inside the transom. Turns out the top holes were solid and dry but the blind holes were moist inside but the wood is very solid. Not great but sort of to be expected after 17 years since it was installed and if left unchecked it could have lead to more serious issues down the road.

I put a 100w lightbulb outside each blind hole and aimed a small blower / heater in the splash well for now. Hopefully it'll be dry enough by later today so I can get back to it but I'll wait add long as needed.