When you re-staple, spend the little extra money to use Monel staples. I am still amazed that Ericson cut this corner. They did such a beautiful job contructing the rest of the boat and then only saved about $20 to use mild steel rather than Monel staples.
If you go to your HW store and ask for monel staples, they may look at you funny. Arrow does make them and usually only the better equiped HW stores carry them. Expect to pay about $20 a box.