OK--have been thinking about my problem with my '81 Hobie 16 (The Mistress) and finally decided to go to the source. I think I know the answer but thought I would see if there is a "jury rig" in the interim..

Having a leak of around 3-4 litres was worrisome but only after a sail and occasionally during when the back hull was under water at times--when the gudgeon separated from the transom I realized that a reapir was in order. The screws had worked themselves loose. I am inexperienced with fiberglass so I bought longer screws and, using the port that was in the hull about 2 arms lengths from the transom, I put a piece of wood inside the hull to give the screws something to "purchase" (photo seems to be too big to attach--can send). Since the transom is to far to reach I used a dowel and a hole in the wood to hold it in place. I also put lots of silicone on the side of the wood facing the transom. I then held the wood in place using the dowel and screwed in the screws--some had "bite" and some "missed" (yes I know-lame). I then pulled out the dowel. Since there have been other repairs the fiberglass under the gudgeon is looking worse for wear--I used silicone to provide a seal for the screws and gudgeon. Fiberglass repair is definitely in my near future.

OK--now that you have the hair-brained set up here is my question (yes I know I should bite bullet and do fiberglass repair):

Can anyone suggest a method to better screw or bolt the gudgeon into the wooden backing on the inside of the hull until I can make that fiberglass repair? My arm cannot reach the wood or inside of the transom and I am super reluctant to cut an inspection port.

I know through bolts are the way to go but how to put the nuts on?

OK--advice welcome--hope above is clear enough.

BTW to add to mystery I sailed her solo the other evening and zero leakage--usually sail with crew and get a few litres..