My Baja has a deck plate underneath the ladder to allow access to the fasteners...does yours not have anything like that? If not, could you install one? What does your transom overhang look like?
No deck plate. There is cavity, and I believe toggle fasteners were used. I saw one similar issue described on this forum, where the person cut a hole underneath, and fitted an inspection cover. That gave them access to nuts if they were using normal nuts and bolts. I'll try and send photos next time I'm home.