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Option #3
Another option is to drill large enough holes in the bottom plate to serve as the access you need to put the nuts on the through bolts. Make them just a touch larger than the deep socket you'll use. Drill a guide hole from above, using the existing factory holes, to ensure proper placement. Then enlarge the holes (from below) to suit your need.
End result will be cleaner since you won't have the bolts and nuts hanging down in view.
I don't think you want to have the nuts back to the bottom plate (as in your option #2)... this will result in more flex and movement since there is nothing backing that plate. With the nuts against the upper plate, there will be less flex and movement.
BTW, I would use red loctite and double nuts to ensure things don't come apart out on open water.
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