modifying my 12ft sears

[boater55]

Hi
i just bought a 12 ft sears deep v boat, it came with a 5hp brooklure motor. the boat does not have a max horse power rating on it, i have a 18 hp Johnson i was planing to put on it but think it might over power it i was wondering if anyone had any ideas of ways i could strengthen the transom?

 

[Johny25]

Throw some pics up of the transom and the ideas will follow. 12' boats are usually rated for 10-15hp

 

[Pan Fisherman]

I have a 12' V Sun Ray and it has a 15hp Motor on it.