If you are trying to replace a missing bolt on a Bonafide kayak, the first thing to know is that there is no one bolt size used across the whole boat. Bonafide uses screws, studs, nuts, washers, and other fasteners in different areas. The correct size depends on what you are mounting.
For many U.S. kayak anglers, the key size to know is 1/4-20. Bonafide lists a 1/4-20 x 1.5-inch stud for use with T-bolt accessories and 1/4-20 threaded ports. Bonafide also sells a GearTrac hardware kit that uses standard 1/4-20 threads. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
That does not mean every screw on a Bonafide kayak is 1/4-20. A handle, deck loop, rudder part, motor mount, or hull fitting can use different hardware. When replacing a fastener, thread size, diameter, length, head type, and material all matter.
What Size Bolts Does Bonafide Use for Their Kayaks?
The short answer is that Bonafide does not use one bolt size for every kayak part. However, 1/4-20 is an important standard in the Bonafide accessory system. Bonafide’s own 1/4-20 stud is listed as 1.5 inches long and is made for T-bolt accessories that attach to 1/4-20 threaded ports. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Bonafide also lists a GearTrac hardware kit with 1.5-inch MightyBolts, track nuts, and 1.25-inch socket head cap screws. The company states that these parts use a standard 1/4-20 thread. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
So, if you ask what size bolts does Bonafide use for their kayaks, 1/4-20 is the key size to check first for track-mounted gear. Do not use that size as a blanket replacement for every factory screw.
- ✦ Common thread
1/4-20 is a common Bonafide accessory thread size, especially around track and mounting hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- ✦ Known Bonafide stud
Bonafide lists a 1/4-20 x 1.5-inch stud for T-bolt accessories and threaded ports. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- ✦ Not universal
Other kayak parts may use different screws or fasteners, so the location must be identified before buying replacements.
What Does 1/4-20 Mean?
The 1/4 means the bolt has a nominal diameter of one quarter of an inch. The 20 means there are 20 threads per inch. This is a common U.S. Unified Thread Standard size.
The number 20 does not describe bolt length. A 1/4-20 bolt can be 1 inch long, 1.5 inches long, or another length. That is why buying a 1/4-20 bolt without checking length can still lead to a poor fit.
- ✦ Diameter
The nominal thread diameter is 1/4 inch.
- ✦ Thread pitch
The thread has 20 threads per inch.
- ✦ Length
Length is a separate measurement and must match the part being installed.
Why There Is No Single Bonafide Kayak Bolt Size
A fishing kayak has many different parts. Some fasteners hold light plastic parts. Others hold tracks, handles, rudder parts, or motor mounts. Each job can call for a different length or head style.
Bonafide’s replacement parts show this range. For example, the SS127 Boss Strap Accessory Package includes four stainless steel screws and four nylon washers, but the product listing does not give those screws a universal 1/4-20 specification. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
The same pattern appears with Bonafide handle and deck accessories. The company lists stainless steel hardware with these parts but does not state that all of those fasteners use the same thread. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- ✦ Accessory tracks
1/4-20 hardware is widely used with Bonafide and compatible kayak track systems.
- ✦ Small deck parts
Deck loops, hooks, straps, and similar parts may use specific screws supplied with the part.
- ✦ Motor mounts
Motor mounting hardware can have its own size and length requirements. Do not assume it matches ordinary track hardware.
Why Bolt Length Matters
A bolt that is too short may not engage enough threads. A bolt that is too long can interfere with the hull, deck, or another part. In a kayak, that second problem can be serious because the wrong fastener can create damage or a leak path.
For this reason, match the original length whenever possible. Measure the old bolt, compare the threads, and check how the new fastener sits before tightening it.
- ✦ Too short
The fastener may not hold the part firmly.
- ✦ Too long
The fastener can contact or damage parts behind the mounting point.
- ✦ Correct length
The fastener should clamp the part securely without bottoming out or causing damage.
Bonafide Kayak Track Hardware: The 1/4-20 Standard
If your question about what size bolts does Bonafide use for their kayaks comes from a gear track, the answer becomes much clearer. Bonafide’s GearTrac hardware kit uses standard 1/4-20 threads and includes several common mounting pieces. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Bonafide also lists a 1/4-20 track nut as compatible with YakAttack MightyMounts, GearTrac, and many other kayak track systems. This makes 1/4-20 a useful size to keep in your kayak repair kit. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Still, the track opening, accessory base, spacer stack, and required grip can change the needed bolt length. The thread can be correct while the overall bolt is still wrong.
- ✦ 1/4-20 track nut
Bonafide sells a 1/4-20 track nut for compatible kayak track systems. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- ✦ 1.5-inch MightyBolt
Bonafide’s GearTrac hardware kit includes 1.5-inch MightyBolts with standard 1/4-20 threads. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- ✦ 1.25-inch socket head screw
The same Bonafide kit includes 1.25-inch socket head cap screws using the standard 1/4-20 thread. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Can You Use Any 1/4-20 Bolt?
No. A matching thread is only one part of the fit. You also need the correct length, head style, washer, nut or track insert, and clearance.
For track accessories, 1/4-20 hardware is often a good starting point. For a structural or hull-mounted part, use the hardware specified for that part instead.
- ✦ Check the thread
Confirm that both the bolt and the mating nut or threaded port use 1/4-20.
- ✦ Check the length
Measure the required grip and avoid excessive thread below the mounting surface.
- ✦ Check the head
A flat head, button head, socket head, and hex head do not always fit the same recess.
What Bolts Are Used on Bonafide SS107 and SS127 Kayaks?
The SS107 and SS127 use several accessory systems, so their hardware should not be treated as one single bolt set. Bonafide lists many SS107 and SS127 replacement parts with stainless steel hardware, but the product pages do not give one universal size for every factory fastener. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
The SS127 is also compatible with aftermarket track and mounting systems. For example, a Ketch replacement track kit for the SS127 uses stainless steel screws, while the track system itself is compatible with common 1/4-20 T-bolt hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
This distinction matters. A screw that attaches a track to the kayak is not necessarily the same fastener used by an accessory inside the track.
- ✦ SS107
Bonafide lists the SS107 as using several accessory parts with supplied stainless steel hardware.
- ✦ SS127
The SS127 supports several 1/4-20 accessory systems, but individual factory fasteners can differ.
- ✦ Aftermarket tracks
Replacement track kits can include their own stainless screws while accepting 1/4-20 accessory hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Do SS107 and SS127 Use the Same Hardware?
Some accessories are shared between the SS107 and SS127. Bonafide lists the same Fat Grip Handle family for both models, for example. But shared accessories do not prove that every fastener on both hulls is identical. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
If you are repairing a specific part, identify the kayak model and the exact part first. That gives you a much better chance of getting the correct screw or bolt on the first try.
- ✦ Same accessory
A shared accessory may use the same supplied hardware on both models.
- ✦ Different mounting point
A different hull location can require a different fastener.
Stainless Steel Hardware for Bonafide Kayaks
Stainless steel is common on Bonafide kayak hardware. Bonafide’s accessory listings repeatedly specify stainless steel hardware for handles, deck parts, straps, and other replacement components. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
This makes sense for a kayak. The hardware can see water, mud, fish slime, sunscreen, and salt if the boat is used near the coast. Stainless hardware helps resist corrosion and is a practical choice for repeated outdoor use.
When replacing hardware, match the original material when possible. A cheap hardware-store bolt may fit the threads but may not be the best choice for long-term marine use.
- ✦ Corrosion resistance
Stainless steel is better suited to wet outdoor use than ordinary untreated steel.
- ✦ Match the original
Use hardware with the same basic material and finish when replacing factory parts.
- ✦ Avoid mixed metals when possible
Keeping compatible materials together can help reduce corrosion problems over time.
Why Stainless Hardware Is Important
A kayak fastener may look small, but it can be exposed to water for years. Rust can make a screw hard to remove and can stain nearby parts. In salt water, corrosion can happen faster.
A simple rinse with fresh water after use helps. Drying the hardware and checking for rust during routine maintenance can also save trouble later.
- ✦ Rinse
Flush salt and dirt from exposed hardware after use.
- ✦ Inspect
Look for rust, damaged threads, loose screws, or cracked washers.
How to Measure a Bonafide Kayak Bolt Before Buying a Replacement
If you do not know what size bolts does Bonafide use for their kayaks at a particular mounting point, measuring the old fastener is often the safest route. You do not need a large tool kit. A ruler, caliper, thread gauge, or a known matching nut can help.
Start by checking the thread diameter. Then check the thread pitch. Finally, measure the usable bolt length. Do not measure only the exposed portion unless that is how the original part was specified.
If the old bolt is missing, take the part to a hardware store and test a possible replacement by hand. Never force a bolt into a threaded hole. Cross-threading can damage the insert or nut.
- ✦ Step 1: Measure diameter
Measure across the threaded part of the bolt.
- ✦ Step 2: Identify thread pitch
For a suspected 1/4-20 bolt, confirm that it has 20 threads per inch.
- ✦ Step 3: Measure length
Measure the bolt according to its head style and compare it with the original.
- ✦ Step 4: Check the head
Make sure the new head fits the recess and does not interfere with nearby parts.
- ✦ Step 5: Test by hand
The bolt should start smoothly. Stop if it binds or feels cross-threaded.
Tools That Make the Job Easier
A small digital caliper is useful for checking bolt diameter and length. A thread pitch gauge is even better when you are not sure whether a fastener is 1/4-20 or another size.
For a simple track accessory, the Bonafide product information can also provide a useful starting point. Bonafide clearly identifies several of its track products as 1/4-20, which removes much of the guesswork. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- ✦ Digital caliper
Useful for accurate diameter and length measurements.
- ✦ Thread gauge
Useful when thread pitch is uncertain.
- ✦ Small ruler
Good enough for basic bolt length checks when used carefully.
Common Mistakes When Replacing Bonafide Kayak Bolts
The most common mistake is to match only the diameter. A bolt can have the right diameter but the wrong pitch. It can also have the right thread but the wrong length.
Another mistake is using a long bolt because it seems stronger. Extra length does not always add strength. On a kayak, it can create clearance problems or damage parts behind the mounting point.
A third mistake is forcing a bolt that almost fits. A correct fastener should start with little effort. If the threads do not line up, stop and check the size.
- ✦ Guessing from appearance
Two bolts can look similar while having different threads.
- ✦ Ignoring length
A correct thread size does not guarantee a correct overall fit.
- ✦ Using ordinary steel
Non-stainless hardware can rust faster in a wet kayak environment.
- ✦ Over-tightening
Too much force can damage plastic parts, inserts, washers, or the mounting area.
Should You Use Locking Hardware?
That depends on the original design. Some kayak parts use a nut, washer, lock nut, knob, or thread-locking method. Do not add a locking product simply because a bolt feels loose.
For a replacement, copy the original hardware setup when possible. If the original part came with a washer and nut, keep that arrangement rather than creating a new one.
- ✦ Follow the original setup
Use the same type of washer, nut, knob, or locking method when available.
- ✦ Do not over-tighten
Firm and secure is better than excessive force on kayak hardware.
What About Bonafide Motor Mount Bolts?
Motor mounts need extra care because they can carry more load than a small accessory. The answer to what size bolts does Bonafide use for their kayaks can therefore change when you are installing a motor.
For the SS127, the Bonafide bow motorization system includes screws and nuts for installation, but the product listing does not state one universal bolt size for every component in the kit. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
An aftermarket One Objective 3WAY mount for the SS127 specifies 1/4-20 x 1.5-inch stainless steel bolts for certain Torqeedo and Newport Vessel motor installations. That specification applies to that motor mount and should not be treated as a universal Bonafide factory bolt specification. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- ✦ Do not guess
Motor hardware should match the exact mount and motor system.
- ✦ 1/4-20 may be used
Some SS127 motor mounting applications specify 1/4-20 hardware.
- ✦ Length still matters
A 1/4-20 bolt can still be wrong if its length does not match the mount.
Why Motor Hardware Needs Extra Care
A motor adds vibration and load. The mounting plate must stay secure, and the hardware must fit the mount correctly. This is not the place to substitute a random bolt because it happens to fit the thread.
Use the instructions for the exact mount and motor. Check the fasteners after the first few outings and inspect the mounting area for movement or damage.
- ✦ Use specified hardware
Follow the motor mount maker’s hardware instructions.
- ✦ Inspect often
Check for loose hardware and movement around the mount.
Are Bonafide Kayak Screws and Bolts Metric or SAE?
For the accessory hardware discussed here, Bonafide clearly uses U.S. inch-based 1/4-20 standards in several products. The company’s 1/4-20 stud, track nut, and GearTrac hardware are direct examples. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
That does not mean every fastener on every Bonafide kayak must be inch-based. A specific replacement part can have its own hardware. The safe approach is to identify the exact fastener instead of assuming the whole kayak follows one standard.
If you are asking what size bolts does Bonafide use for their kayaks because you want to buy a general spare kit, 1/4-20 stainless hardware is a useful category to keep on hand for compatible accessories. It should not replace every factory screw.
- ✦ SAE example
1/4-20 is an inch-based Unified Thread Standard.
- ✦ Useful spare
A small set of 1/4-20 stainless accessory hardware can be useful for compatible track systems.
- ✦ Verify first
Always verify a specific replacement before installing it on a kayak.
A Simple Bonafide Kayak Bolt Buying Guide
If you are standing in a U.S. hardware store and trying to replace a Bonafide fastener, bring the old part if you have it. Match the diameter, thread, length, head, washer, and material. This takes less time than buying several bolts and hoping one fits.
For a track accessory, start by checking whether the system uses 1/4-20. Bonafide’s own product information confirms that several track parts use that standard. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
For a factory replacement part, the best choice is usually the exact Bonafide replacement hardware supplied for that part. Bonafide sells replacement accessory packages with the required stainless steel hardware for many components. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
- ✦ Track accessory
Check for 1/4-20 compatibility first.
- ✦ Factory replacement
Use the hardware supplied with the exact Bonafide replacement part when possible.
- ✦ Missing bolt
Measure the mounting hole and inspect the matching part before buying.
- ✦ Saltwater use
Choose suitable stainless hardware and rinse the kayak after use.
- ✦ Motor installation
Follow the exact motor mount instructions rather than using a general-purpose bolt.
A Good Spare Hardware Kit
A small labeled box can save a trip to the store. Keep common 1/4-20 accessory hardware separate from small factory screws. Label each size by thread and length, not just by appearance.
This is especially useful for anglers who remove rod holders, camera mounts, fish finders, or other accessories during transport. Keeping the correct hardware together reduces the chance of losing a small part at the launch.
- ✦ Label by size
Write the thread and length on each bag or compartment.
- ✦ Keep washers together
Washers are easy to lose and can be part of the correct mounting setup.
- ✦ Carry a few spares
A small number of common stainless fasteners can be useful during fishing trips.