TOPIC: Corvair transom repair question

The time has come to repair the transom in my 1964 Corvair and I thought I would post a question regarding the project. Underneath the original glasswork on the interior of the boat was a horizontal piece of wood framing attached directly to the transom plywood. I presume this was for strength but wondering whether or not I need to put it back in during the rebuild. The boat is 14' long and will be powered by the same year 33hp Johnson Seahorse. Any thoughts on the matter are greatly appreciated. Noel