Many have successfully repaired loose swim platform brackets after removing the fuel tanks and creatively repaired the problem usually caused by rotten wood used in the laminate core to stiffen the transom. I did something similar on the '88 Advance here in the shop, but before re-installing the fuel tank I did a test fit & with the deck also removed & I saw a dangerous sight, the new longer upper bracket bolts were pressing against the fuel tank. I trimmed the bolts down, then added neoprene blocking to prevent the tank from getting too close to the bolts. Without removing the deck this would be an impossible thing to see. Be careful & creative to assure that if you repair this area that you make sure the tank does not touch these bolts.
