71 20SF stinger question

[Thepistonhead]

#1) why didn't the port side inboard stringer run the full length to the transom? Was there a built in cooler or livewell?

#2) I'm enclosing the transom and re-doing the deck, while im in there should I run that stringer all the way to the transom? or leave it as is? I am adding a bracket during the process as well.

Thanks!