Matching Screws for Rub-Rail/Hull

Jonah

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Hi all,

Does anyone happen to know the specs on the screws used to hold the rub-rail into place on a '95 Sailfish 272?

As mentioned in another thread, I'm currently in the process of repairing a leak in my cabin, which turns out to be the result of some loose and bent screws in the rub-rail. In the process of removing the rail, I found a number of bent or nearly-stripped screws, and wanted to replace them. I live nowhere near a West Marine (Nassau, Bahamas) and so took one of the screws to a local hardware store. I was unable to find an exact match, so I wonder if I'll need to visit a marine parts shop?

In terms of size, head-shape, and length, the screws seem to be about a #8 US Sheet Metal Screw. (There was limited metric selection to compare, but I figure GW would use US screws, right?). However, when it comes to the threads, the threading is something between a #8 and #10 (unfortunately there does not seem to be a #9!). Friendly guy in the shop told me that if the screws are going into wood or fiberglass, I shouldn't worry too much about the threading, since it will just carve new threads. After all, it doesn't have to screw into a bolt with exact thread match. Any opinions on that?
 

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SkunkBoat

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looks like a stainless steel #8 x 1" countersunk phillips head. I wouldn't worry about the thread either. Its not a machine screw.

If thats what came out, put the same back in. If there are some that don't bite, use a #10 in that hole.

Sometimes putting the rubrail back on, somehow all the holes don't exactly line up anymore. You may have to add some new screws and/or drill new pilot holes.
 

Jonah

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Thanks Skunkboat,

My main concern was matching the thread, but if that's really no concern, then I'll buy a bunch of #8s and a few #10s for the stripped holes.

I still find it strange that the thread doesn't quite match a #8 or #10. Is there such a thing as a #9?
 

Fishtales

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Take one to a marine hardware store and have them match it up.
 

SkunkBoat

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Jonah said:
Thanks Skunkboat,

My main concern was matching the thread, but if that's really no concern, then I'll buy a bunch of #8s and a few #10s for the stripped holes.

I still find it strange that the thread doesn't quite match a #8 or #10. Is there such a thing as a #9?

No #9 but sheet metal screws are available with coarse or fine thread. I don't think I've ever seen fine thread Stainless sheet metal screws used in this fashion or sold at marine stores.
Also there are metric versions that would have a different thread which you might be seeing in the Bahamas.

I'm kind of surprised they were flat countersunk and not oval or pan head.
 

Jonah

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Thanks again everyone.

Fishtales, I'll probably take it in. I just live about 35 minutes from the nearest marine shop. Even then, we're still talking about a marine shop in the Bahamas, and so I have my doubts as to whether it's worth the drive. :|

Skunkboat, thanks again. It's actually an oval-head. The angle of the photo didn't quite capture the curved top.

Onward ...
 

Jonah

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Update: I wrote to Grady, and they guessed (from memory, not the pic) that the screws were either #8s or #10s. For some reason the threads aren't matching perfectly, but oh well.