H16 Bow tang screw length

I set up my 2002 H16 this weekend and my new bow tang screws (P/N 8030301; 5/16-18 x 1-1/4") were about 1/4" too short to fully engage the nylock nuts (it wasn't threading into the nylon locking part of the nut). After Investigating more, I confirmed the old bow tang screws were 1-1/2" long (about 1/4" difference). I put the old ones back on for now believing that it was better to have the nylock nut fully engaged than the (probably small) risk the old screws may shear.

Questions for the H16 Fleet are: (1) where can I get a new "OEM quality" bow tang screw that's 1-1/2" long so I can replace them and (2) out of curiosity, was there was a change in the bow tang screw dimensions made after 2002?

Thanks!
Daniel

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

8030301 SCREW 5/16-18 X 1-1/4 RHMS SS

So, stock is the 1 1/4" Could be a vintage thing. Same for decades.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt. Definitely strange that the stock size doesn't seem to fit my boat. I would like to replace the current ones but need the 1-1/2" length.

Is there a particular specification (e.g. 316 or 304 stainless) that is needed for these screws? Is there a reputable supplier to get replacements since the official Hobie part doesn't quite fit?

Thanks again for your help.

Daniel

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

Before looking for a new screw, take a look at everything. Has the clip separated so that you're having problems tightening it down? Is there a little piece of broken fiberglass jamming the hole? It might be a simple problem (which are the ones I find the hardest to figure out when the process goes south).

Jim Clark-Dawe

8030311 SCREW 5/16-18x 1-1/2 RHMS

This may have been the original screw.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

McMaster Carr will have any fastener you will need on a Hobie. I’d go 316 SS for increased corrosion resistance.

sm

Thanks everyone, your help is HUGE. I checked again and everything is snuggled in where it should be but the 1-1/4" length just aint enough to fully engage the nylock. For whatever reasons, there must be an extra bit of material in the bow lip. It's maybe a 1/8" or less difference, but that's how these little things pop up.

Separately, but related, took the family out for a nice sail on Memorial Day. Was a L-O-N-G wait for summer to arrive this year in Delaware. Boat looks great though since there was plenty of time for cleaning and preparing...

-Daniel

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432