1977 master angler

[mako17]

Looking at buying a 1977 master angler with a 20" transom. It seems pretty solid. I would put a new etec 115 on it. I currently have a 73 seafari with 20" transom and a 115 etec. Seafari runs awesome with it. I have experienced the downsides of the 20" transom however. I put on spalshguards, sealed the deck, and added a bilge pump and mitigated most of the problems.. So my question is this: For people who have had both boats is the configuration of the MA transom better or worse than the seafari? I have read everything I can on this site and the consensus seems to be go to 25". Just want to hear the comparison though.

Also as a side note has anyone ever used the bow fishbox as a livewell?