New to boating. Need help with mounting motor on jon boat.

Ok, I just bought my first boat so forgive me for my ignorance. I have an Alumacraft MV 1448 and I purchased a Tohatsu 20HP tiller online which I have yet to receive. My question is do I need plywood between the transom and the motor clamp when I mount the motor? I looked at several new boats with motors before I made my purchase and noticed they had plywood sandwiched between the transom and motor. I assume this is to offer support and distribute the pressure on the transom from the clamps.

I didn't do it on my boat now I wish I had.

So...optional but recommended? Any opinions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Can't speak for your application; but in most cases, this is used in our neck of the woods just to raise the motor up on the transom. Pictures would help and I feel someone "far more learned than I " will be along shortly. Hope this helps! 8)

Go on west marines web site and they sell a rubber transom mount pad made by moeller,that is the best investment i have ever made as it saves the transom from getting all dinged up and scratched up.Pus it almost eliminates all vibration in the tiller handle.Good luck.