Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

[gewf631]

I've heard a few different opinions about this, so I'm looking to the collective wisdom on this board for the "answer".<br /><br />Is there a corrosion issue in using SS fasteners on aluminum - like using SS sheet metal screws into aluminum?<br /><br />Some opinions say to use an anti-seize, others say it's not necessary. Before I cover the plywood floor that I fastened to my 18' Starcraft with SS screws, I want to know if I have to remove, coat, and replace every screw - I want to get this boat in the water!!!<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br />Ed

 

[DJ]

Re: Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

Ed,<br /><br />You'll be fine-if.<br /><br />You do not have anything (elctrically) grounded to the hull.<br /><br />Your stainless is above the water line (if the boat is moored).<br /><br />Most production AL boats today use stainless fasteners.

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

Follow this link to a Galvanic Scale. According to the scale, stainless is as far away from aluminum as you can get. If you use a sealant between the stainless and aluminum you can minimize the corrosion.<br /><br /> Galvanic Scale

 

[NathanY]

Re: Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

This is what I used to anchor my floor down in my Starcraft.<br /><br />

<br /><br />It the one on top. I got them at Lowe's, and the good thing about then is that they are removable.

 

[evin300]

Re: Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

Stainless will be fine, you will have no problem whatsoever.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

I've got a welded aluminum boat that came with all ss screws and hardware...works just fine...just a Thought

 

[gewf631]

Re: Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

Thanks all for the responses.<br /><br />The piece of mind has just saved me a couple hours of work!<br /><br />Much appreciated!

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

nathan, what did you hear that made you decide to go with that particular fastener, and did it work well? no pop ups, no buckles, nothing?<br /><br />Ed F - I have to do what you just did exactly, ply floor in a 18 foot starcraft, did you take pictures as you were doing it? SOunds like it wasnt too tough a deal all in all, I was imagining all sorts of stringer and cross ribs and horrors ... no holes in the bottom when you were done? Honest?<br /><G>

 

[gewf631]

Re: Stainless Steel fasteners in Aluminum

CastawayRay, send me a e-mail at<br />gewf631@yahoo.com<br /><br />I'll be happy to send you pics, or answer any questions you've got.<br /><br />Today, I'm putting the dash, bow seats, and side panels in.<br /><br />Ed