roger, roger go 1/4 ... but wait I replaced the top handrails with SS and they were 1/4 studs. but then to put the handholds back on the inside I used 1/4. I didn't think the top wooden handrails where great to be stepped on a lot. but if you have a 200lber hanging on the handrail below ... that too is a lot of strain.
the screws broke on both boats ... I think what happens is we decide to reef in a bit of boat motion and the big heavy guys go up on deck to help out using the rails for foot support and when you have a 200+lb-er dead on the hand [foot] rail ... with just a tiny bit of erosion they break. or in any case they break the seal and allow water to get into the deck.
somewhere there is another thread on this.
