I am getting close to building and installing thwarts in my N-Dory and find bronze screws at West marine to be $1.50 each. Is using brass okay since the finish washers are brass or should I order bronze screws somewhere (CLC)?
Maybe if you go up a couple of sizes. It's possible to actually twist off a brass screw with a screwdriver---they're that much less strong. If that doesn't happen right away, corrosion will eat up brass in a season or two. I had rubrails on a boat affixed with brass screws just fall off after two years.
Brass is mainly decorative; bronze is structural.
For that matter, use stainless instead of bronze! Stronger, generally easier to find, though not as attractive.
Jamestown Distributors has silicon bronze screws at a much better price. You can probably by a box of a hundred for what WM charges for 8. They will also sell smaller amounts.
Thanks, I will check online and go with the bronze.
just a thought bearnkar. Using a bit brace (hand drill) when putting brass or even bronze screws. Maybe lube screws with some ivory soap and or drill a pilot hole/countersink. Especially those slotted screws.