Fasteners are one of the most overlooked boating parts, but they're responsible for holding your boat together, so keep them in excellent condition. As you browse online or in a store, you may feel overwhelmed by the many different fasteners there are, as each one serves a unique purpose. Not all fasteners are interchangeable, so consider the type you buy carefully and consult with a more experienced boater as needed.

The term "marine fasteners" includes nuts, bolts, screws, nails, rivets, and more. Fasteners explicitly designed for watercraft will be much easier to maintain than fasteners made of metal that can rust. You shouldn't need to change the fasteners on your boat often, but when you do, replace them with marine fasteners that can withstand the water without rusting. Look over your ship carefully and check all your fasteners at least once every year. Tighten them if they are loose. Replace any fasteners that are broken or missing.

Use marine fasteners to keep your boats' seats secure, hook hinges into place, and for similar attachment needs. Canvas fasteners will ensure your canvas cover remains safe even in high wind and rain.

Use metal fasteners made from stainless steel, which is much more resistant to rust and corrosion than many other metals. Since your boat will spend so much time in the water, other metals will likely accrue rust more quickly than you can handle. You can also use bronze fasteners if you prefer, but stainless steel is affordable and highly durable, making it an excellent choice. However, if you own a fiberglass boat, sheet metal screws may better suit your needs.