Drilling holes in your boat - which fasterners to use?

I will shortly (hopefully) be taking delivery of a new Oasis. For the past few months I have been collecting a number of tips and modifications that I will be performing on my boat. For example, I will be adding a couple of pad-eyes and cleats to add some simple sailing rigging.

My question is with fasteners, and how to properly attach things like pad-eyes and cleats.

I understand that there are three main ways of attaching add-ons to your boat:

1) machine screws with nuts and washers
2) pop-rivets
3) screws (stainless steel "wood" screws)

Even direct from Hobie you can see a mixture of fasteners being used. Pad-eyes appear to be attached with screws, while the paddle holder bungie hook is held on with a rivet. Can I securely attach a new pad-eye (for a sailing block) with just two simple screws?

Can anyone discuss their experience with each fastener type? Does it mostly just come down to a matter of location accessibility?

Bolts for most everything is best. Screws for light stuff works, but don't rely on it. Pop rivets are good in metal, but are a last result in plastic, when you can't reach inside to bolt.

Also I put a little silicon sealer on and holes before I bolt or screw anything down. Seals everything nice and tight.

Good luck, and post pic's for the next guy (and our enjoyment).

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Skadar,
What Reconlon said!
The Hobie fore/aft padeyes are actually bolted to a brass (I think?) plate moulded into the hull. A self tapper would not hold a padeye for a sailing block.
Through bolting with large flat washers inside the hull are best.

I agree with above...

Drill the hole for the stainless bolt smaller than the bolt itself, dab silicone then screw the bolt into the plastic.... inside use the largest stainless washer you can.

The silicone acts as a lubricant and a thread sealer too after it dries.