[SkunkBoat]

I had a really loose pedestal on my 84. half the screws were loose but they spun. the other half didnt budge and the heads stripped trying to loosen them. It was a ***** removing it, had to use saws-all between deck & pedestal to cut screws.

The screws are in anchors that press themselves into the wood when tightened. Wood gets soft near the screws from water intrusion but only right near the holes. Your deck may be ok elsewhere.

When the pedestal came off, there was already an access hole UNDER the center of the pedestal. It was the passenger seat so I just patched the deck over, more space for cooler...

You can make repair to wood & then use stainless "blind anchors".(can't remember what they call them but the same principle as a molly bolt).
You drill a certain size hole, they go in the hole and you hold them in place with this plastic attachment that goes thru the pedestal screw hole, screw in the screw and there you have it.

Found them at West Marine:GARELICK Stainless-Steel Toggle Anchor Bolts

Actually, I used them on the driver seat in 2 of the holes. EASY!