Rivets

The mainsail tack hardware is missing all its rivets on the used Hobie 16 we bought. What can be used instead of rivets to hold the two metal pieces together on either side of the mainsail tack?

You can buy the rivets and set them yourself from Murrays.com 1-800-786-7245 or buy a Snap Fastener Kit - "General" - No. 1265. it comes with the simple tools you need to fasten them with a hammer. It's so easy that even I can do it. I bought my kit from some sewing & knitting store in San Diego - Beverly's 858-278-8072.

I just checked again. It might've been the Rivet Setter Kit "Realeather Crafts # T3635-60. It's been a while since I did that simple repair on my clew tack plates. Both kits are inexpensive & very easy to use.

Stainless steel pan head machine screws with hex nuts. Install with loctite on the nuts, then carefully cut off any excess screw length with a dremel tool or hack saw and carefully file edges smooth.

sm