Seat bracket repair

[tmh]

The drivers side seat bracket on my 2003 18c broke. It is held on by 4 large phillips head screws. I loosened the screws but they aren't backing out. They are now spinning so I assume there is a nut on the other side but I can't see where I can get under the floor if there is a nut. The bracket could be welded while on the boat but I'd think the heat would melt the fiberglass. Can anyone advise me on the simple task of removing 4 screws. I always amaze myself on making a simple job difficult.
T.M. Hayes

[DickB]

This is a common problem. It happened on my '99. Check out
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=39607&highlight=seat
There are other posts on the subject.

If I recall correctly I used a wedge to lift the bracket so that the nut that you can't see was held tight against the bottom of the floor. This allowed me to remove the screws and let the nuts fall into the bilge. I cut a 3" or so hole in the center of each pedestal base to gain access for installing the replacement brackets, sealing the edge with epoxy. The new brackets cover the hole when done.