That's an odd business model, tying up expensive employees dealing with normally rivet ignorant swaths of humanity rather than pushing out warehouse orders.
They had at least a half dozen salesmen busy at their desks. He said 90% of their sales are to manufacturers and reoccurring orders. The internet sales don't even come close.
Fortunately I had a list I made from your rivet thread, so I didn't seem too ignorant. They seemed genuinely interested in the boat project, and how many simular orders they put together. Now they have an idea when they are putting something out for an aluminum boat guy.
Not much work done lately, but I'm about to get back on it! I'm back home, and I got enough to keep me busy for a while. I'm going to try wet blasting with glass beads.
I got another attachment for the pressure washer. It sucks media through a hose and mixes in the water at the tip. I tested it on some rusty steel using play sand. Works great, but regular sand is too coarse. It was recommended glass beads, or fine glass, depending if you are painting of polishing.
I did find another nice old boat, but its 2,000 miles away. A 1960's alumacraft. I think 14' model A. Its my father in laws, but he said I could have it. Needs a little work. hasn't seen water in 20+ years. Pretty cool looking stout little boat. Ill probably fix it up next time I go, and leave it there.