IO to OB conversion….bracket or modified transom?

[Silvertriton]

Obviously each boat will have its particular solution but as a general rule, when converting from IO to OB on a rib would it not be preferable to strengthen the transom with a steel plate and bracket to the stringers and a well rather than changing the center of gravity by fitting a transom bracket which is likely to stick out at least 1" per foot of lenght? I also think that the transom modification may also be cheaper than fitting an external bracket. I am aware that some brackets have been specifically designed for some hulls and may add additional buoyancy but for the majority of RIBs this is not a viable option.
What are the main advantages and disadvantes of the two options?

[Heino]

I am faced with the exact situation you are describing.
A pod makes sense as this removes the cables from the deck and the transom does not have to be cut.
It may be a possibility to build the pod as a DIY to save on costs.

[gtflash]

A bracket or a pod will shift the weight of the outboard even further back thus putting more stress on the inboard transom. Even zero buoyancy pods weigh something out of water.

Strengthen transom first. It may not have any knees or even be thick enough. Adding knees to stringers could be an option. Some pics would help