Thru-Bolt for Swim Platform ?

Hello All, and Thanks In Advance. My starboard-side bracket for my swim platform is loose ; the lag screws spin, and are not biting anymore. Would like to thru-bolt it, but the area on the inside where the bolts would go is not accessible (it's an enclosed area, between the muffler space and the starboard wall).

Do you think it would be O.K. to cut some kind of a small access hole (not unlike the one for the shaft, but smaller) so I could at least stick my hand in there to insert the bolt ?? What's inside this concealed space? Anything? Perhaps just space, it sounds hollow. It appears to be fiberglass, and goes all the way to the back of the boat.

If it works, will probably do it on the other side as well, and would eventually like to make it so I can remove the platform so I can fit boat in my garage.

Thanks Again!!   Chris.

On my 87 the fuel cell is back there. The swim platform mounted through the gelcote, the glass, and a bonded 3/4" plywood piece on the back of the boat. The simplest repair would be to remove the large bolts from your swim platform, then use rot doctor in the holes. Once it sets then use some epoxy resin as you replace the screws.

I had my fuel cell out while doing some minor repairs this winter. When I put the swim platform back on I drilled all the way through. Then I used 3" wide 1/8" thick aluminum backing with lock washers and SS bolts to secure the swim platform. Great idea until they ever get loose - tightening them will be incredibly difficult because they are hidden behind the fuel cell.

I strongly recommend you go the rot doctor route. It will repair the wood your screws are going into. Then some epoxy resin as you install them will keep it all locked up.

You guys are the best ; Thanks !!