Securing aluminum pontoons to aluminum frame with SS Bolts

[BBHSKYNYRD]

I added a center log to my pontoon boat. Not thinking and staying in-line with what I always use for my fiberglass Cobia, I purchases Stainless Steel bolts, nuts, and washer then secured the aluminum log to the aluminum pontoon boat frame.
Should I be concerned about corrosion? I live in Florida and use the Cobia for saltwater and pontoon for freshwater. If I should be concerned about corrosion, what type of bolts should I change over to?
thanks,
Brandon

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Securing aluminum pontoons to aluminum frame with SS Bolts

If you used SS bolts you should be fine. SS is a slower reacting metal when in contact with aluminum. You can also coat the boats and holes with 3m5200 to seal out the water.

Yes salt water accelerates the reactions but using SS is safer then softer metal bolts.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Securing aluminum pontoons to aluminum frame with SS Bolts

put tefgel between the SS bolts and aluminum.

 

[BBHSKYNYRD]

Re: Securing aluminum pontoons to aluminum frame with SS Bolts

What is tefgel? I am familiar with the first post suggesting marine 5200 by 3M (I use it for about everything). What is the difference?
thanks,
Brandon

 

[Fastatv]

Re: Securing aluminum pontoons to aluminum frame with SS Bolts

The corrosion you are referring to is probably called "Dissimilar Metals" corrosion. Anyway, I have had several pontoon boats, and the fasteners used were stainless, however, I'm not sure of which grade of stainless was used. Operating in fresh water ( I love Florida waters, lived there for 12 years ), you will not have any problems. Rick

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Securing aluminum pontoons to aluminum frame with SS Bolts

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