If it all goes south, I'm considering putting in a big backing plate and just making them thru bolts instead of screw bolts which would be an easier repair. Would you guys recommend against that? Definitely going to use Tefgel.
Definitely do this. There is no reason that plate needs to be laminated inside the sandwich construction of the hull. The bond only gets stronger if it's completely on the inside of the hull. Note, however, there is a bulkhead in this location and you may need to work around it. When you set the plate on the inside, make sure it is seated well in some thickened resin so it is making full contact with the fiberglass there.
