My 1992 Sylvan 16' only uses wood for floors and decking. None in the transom or for any stringers.Not exactly true especially with more modern boats. Not sure how old the OP boat is. I have a 5 year old aluminum boat without so much as a toothpick worth of wood in the construction.
I’d say that is from cranking down the straps way to tight worrying about it being super secure.