The place where you say there is a screw, which you've denoted with (*) is likely where a 5 might be, meaning 1957, or in your case 57/8 which was a '57 held over to the '58 model year. Check to see if there are remnants of a 5 at that screw hole location.

Maybe a car topper?

OK, so I am trying to decipher it.  It appears to be something along the lines of:

11T.10.637.(*)7.8.P

*- maybe something missing here, screw through this area

Does that mean anything to you, lol?

Look here.  only about 1/8 inch tall.
 

www.feathercraft.net/rivets/serial-numbers

I got this boat from a friend, and I am trying to find serial numbers on it.  It seems like everything is worn.  Where would I look?  Here is a picture of the boat.  I think it is a Topper.  Also included is a pic of the back where the transom was, and inside by the coast guard capacity plaque.

Any help or information would be appreciated!

thanks!