Welcome aboard. It's good to have another CCP owner around here. We're often besieged by the 170 crowd. They're a rowdy bunch.
You've got what could arguably be considered Aquasport's finest craft
Oh one other thing, your post is worthless without pics
Last but not least. IMHO with a fully closed transom, a full bracket is the way to go.
Good luck and be sure to post some aqua porn showing your progress.