Screws/Hardware (What kind? How many? Where to Purchase?)

[gsyogi]

I recently purchased a clean 1994 Ski Nautique from the NE USA (a boat that shows no apparent signs of being in salt water) but, as crazy as it sounds, I have not taken delivery of this boat as of yet. I would plan on restoring this boat to its "like new" condition and am developing a plan to do so. I hope to get much help from those on this forum as to that endeavor.

Quick question, note the rusty "upholstery seem" screws shown in the attached picture. Right of the bat I want to replace those. What size are they, how many do I need to do both sides (left and right), and where can I obtain these? I am going to run the boat for about a week before beginning my restoration and just don't want to look at those rusty screws! Thanks in advance.

[Chexi]

Just take one out and take it to your local hardware store (not a big box store, but a small Do It Best or Tru Value or the like). The smaller true hardware stores tend to have a much better supply of stainless steel hardware. If that does not work, West Marine has a lot of ss hardware, but it will cost you more.

[Rick]

They look like either #6 or #8 I would guess their length at 3/4 to 1" The ones that are rusting are coated. If you replace them with stainless make sure you clean out all the rust or they might continue to rust the Stainless ones. This happens when mild steel gets embedded in the stainless and it continues to rust.

[gsyogi]

Thanks for the information and I apologize for the typos in the initial post ... the kids were working me over. Anyway, two follow up questions: 1) I suppose I am looking for a definitive answer from a current 1994 Nautique owner, you see, I am having this boat delivered to a lake house in a fairly rural location and had hoped to have the correct screws in hand in order to swap them out (I won't have much of an opportunity to hit up a local hardware store or West Marine) ... would be most appreciative if someone could provide this information (perhaps even a part # for them for West Marine), and 2) Rick, what's the best way to ensure removal of all the existing rust? Thanks in advance.

[Rick]

Brass wool will do it. Don't use steel wool as it will leave small steel shavings that will rust. I would get a dozen of each size #8, #10, #6 in stainless 3/4", 1" and 11/2" believe me you will use them over the course of boat ownership. You are probably talking $20.00. Then you will have the sizes you need anytime you need them.

[Nautiquehunter]

If you dont get your answer here try CorrectCraftFan .com . They are more in to older CC boats .