my 1998 196 always felt like the dash and windscreen screws were always getting loose, and there are many places on boats where ONLY screws are used to secure something permanently.
well , i finally found a fix. A CUTTING BOARD. for 10.00 you can secure every screw you can get to the back of quick. i found a Black polymer cutting board at target. take a jig saw and cut a bunch of 1-1/4" squares, then use a small pilot bit in each one in the center of the square. simply reach under the dash and turn the screw up tight to the polymer (nut) block, and never worry about a screw backing out again. took me a couple hours to secure the dash helm and bow, but i never have to worry about it again.