CONTINUOUSWAVE

On a 1986 OUTRAGE 18 cockpit deck, immediately forward of the console, what is the purpose of four screws in the deck?

I think you are assuming that these four fasteners appear on every OUTRAGE 18 boat. Perhaps they are unique to your boat. Perhaps they were used to retain cleats for the IGLOO cooler that is often seen mounted just in front of the console of many Boston Whaler center console boats.

I believe [the four fasteners in the deck of a 1986 OUTRAGE 18 boat are there to] help anchor the fuel tank cover to the fuel tank cavity. I remember removing them last year when I pulled the cover, then remember reinstalling them when replacing the cover. There are 50 or so screws around the perimeter of the cover and some additional machine screws in strategic locations. I believe there are more under the aluminum plates that the console mounts to.

Look carefully (forward of the fuel fill/vent hoses) to see some of the holes that receive the fasteners under the aluminum plates. You can't see the four screws holes in front of the console that you are asking about, but I'm almost positive they are similar.