Hi im new to the forum and new to boating.I just bought a 16 ft.lund ssv.
This my sound stupid to you guys but before i go attaching any thing to my boat. Seats ,cleats,ect.What kind of screws, bolts, or rivet should i use?
Thanks Dan
Welcome to both iBoats (best marine forum on the web) and to the wonderful world of boating!
Stainless Steel 304 for the most part. And squirt some caulk (marine grade) into the srewhole before you put the screw in, to reduce the chance (some would say prevent) water from getting in there. But stainless all the way. Oh, and the cost difference of a stainless screw vs and a plain old household screw is a good way to start adjusting to the money you'll be spending.
Whatever doesn't rust. Aluminum rivets, stainless steel, and in the case of older sailboats, brass. (brass fasteners don't exactly rust but they tarnish to a pretty green if not constamtly polished or coated with protectant)
SS and aluminum are dissimular metals that cause galvonic corrosion. If she were mine I would use 18-8 SS screws (less carbon) and fiber washers. We use a product called Teff Gel on the screw threads to help in isolating the metals. Anodized aluminum will stand up to the SS better.
