Keith,
It looks like you are getting a lot done on your boat. The mast step area looks like it came out great!
I haven't been around much, as spring and early summer work around the farm has kept me very busy. "Mother" has thrown some mighty sharp curve balls this year.
We finally got our boat on last Saturday. Trailered it down to the Conn coast from western Mass, did mooring repair work, rigged it, splashed it, motored around the point to its' mooring, locked it up and drove home. A very busy day. My wife and I will get back to it late on Sunday, after we drop off our daughter at camp, and then we have 4 days to be on the boat. We will cherish them as the rest of the summer is so busy, we cannot put together any definite plans after that.
To answer your question, I used 316 grade stainless on mine since it would spend all of its time on salt water. I have gotten some from Jamestown Distributors if I buy in bulk, but otherwise get them from WM, as they are stamped 316, and and you can buy exactly what you want. They also have 316 countersink washers and oval head screws and bolts. On a strictly fresh water boat you may feel more comfortable with the "hardware store" grade of stainless. I asked our locally owned hardware store if they knew the grade of stainless they carried, they didn't, and advised that it was doubtful it would stand up to long term salt water conditions.
Rick
