I am replacing my Davit with a Presto Marine XL500 hydraulic lift so in preparing for the install I removed my current davit. Access to the the hardware is thru the 4 access holes on the platform deck. When I opened the covers I discovered really poor craftsmanship in the attempt seal the cellulose core. The installer simply smeared silicone sealant around the edge which of course did little to seal over time. They did not seal the actual frame of the access hole so water just seeped in.
As a result I have quite a bit of rotten core to remove. As far as can tell, the damage is limited to an inch or so in from the cuts, the core is just soaked so over the next few 90 plus days I will leave all the holes open and see if it will dry out enough for me to dig out the bad core and replace with reinforced filler to seal. I can detect little or no soft areas on the deck so I am not planning to tear up the deck. there were two Weaver Snap Davit plates still installed and I found that there was no sealant nor even nuts on the bolts!
Word to the wise, before you hire modifications done to your boat that is near of under the water line, make sure you get specifics on what the plan is to seal the area. There are a lot "mechanics" out there that either have no clue or just don't give a damn about their work. This is why I NEVER let anyone touch my boat. I am blessed with the background and experience to do my own work and I know that not everyone is. I feel so bad for those who are held hostage and have to rely on the "professionals" to do the job right.