Through Transom Loose Bolt

[TyeeMan]

Hi Everybody,

I have a little problem and I'm not really sure how to approach this. I have a Lund Tyee inboard outboard, it's an aluminum boat. The bolt that secures the lower support of my swim platform is loose, not wobbly loose but I can easily turn it with a screw driver. It's below the water line so you can see why this is a problem.
I'm presuming there is a nut on the other end of this bolt, , inside the boat. The problem is that I can't get to the nut, it's under the floor and there is a stringer also blocking access.

Two questions;
1. How do I remove the screw? Can I somehow drill off/grind off the head and just push it into the boat?

2. Once the screw is out what do I put in it's place? If I put a new bolt in there would be no access to get a nut on it.

I'm trying to do this without having to remove carpet and cut the floor. It would only be a small area to cut up, maybe 6 inches X 8 inches or so, just big enough to get my big meat hook in there with a wrench. But like I say, I'd rather not cut up the floor.

Oh, and it's in a really confined area.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if its been leaking for a while, youre going to want to pull the floor up and have a look anyway At least I would

or I would cut a hold in the deck and put an access panel above it.

 

[TyeeMan]

I suppose I could cut a round hole and install one of those round screw in/out deck access plates.

 

[ezmobee]

I suppose I could cut a round hole and install one of those round screw in/out deck access plates.

That's actually what's typically done. In my Starcraft I have bilge access in the middle and can just barely reach over to the bolts for my swim platform but I can do it.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I second that you will want to open up and take a look. I'm guessing this has transom wood and obviously would be wet since below the water line. If it were me I would feel much better knowing.