SS vs. galvanized hardware

[bjennings79]

During disassembly of the boat and trailer, I came across a lot of rusty nuts and bolts. I decided that I would replace everything that was rusty with SS hardware. Now I'm wondering if this might be overkill, especially since the SS hardware is considerably more expensive. I will definitely stick with the SS for the boat, but how long should galvanized hardware last on the trailer before it starts getting rusty? I've already ordered about $40 worth of nuts and bolts just for attaching the bunks to the trailer and the amount of u-bolts and nuts that I still have to buy is giving me second thoughts.

 

[WaterDR]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

How much longer SS will last over galvanized is really a function of condition. The SS will never have any issues unless it is subject to high chlorides, heat and stress. Galvanized will eventually degrade to white rust. It is basically a coating of zinc over steel.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

Particularly in salt water, galvanized hardware gives way to rust. So, SS would not be overkill. My approach is to replace as I go . . . so when something has to be taken off/fixed/etc., I replace it with SS. This eases the $$$ pain rather than replacing all hardware at once.

 

[Davem3]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

no such thing as overkill, i use SS for everything. i use Tpenfield"s method, though ..............

 

[5150abf]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

If you are in salt water go with the stainless if fresh you can get by with the galvanized but as mentioned it will eventually degrade and stain your trailer but if you don't care about that have at it.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

Personaly I wont use anything but SS.

 

[WaterDR]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

Just a note, stainless will work fine in salt water, but not if it is hot. Chloride levels over 100 ppm (the higher you go, the worse the problem) and tempertures above 140 F (the higher the temp, the worse the problem) and you have yourself a real issue especially if the metal is stressed. Chloride is not a pefect metal. But, in 99% of boat applications, it should be a good fit. I had a client that replaced a million $ of stainless plumbing because they were not aware of their water chemistry.

Had a client once use a stainless pump in a drum of ferric chloride and the pump litterally dissolved in a few weeks like the Wicked Witch of the West being hit with a pail of water.

Sorry to get all "nerdy"!

 

[bjennings79]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

Sorry to get all "nerdy"!

The nerdier the better if you ask me.

Thanks for all the input. Guess I'll probably just replace a little here and there with SS.

 

[STARCRAFT16SS]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

Just a note, stainless will work fine in salt water, but not if it is hot. Chloride levels over 100 ppm (the higher you go, the worse the problem) and tempertures above 140 F (the higher the temp, the worse the problem) and you have yourself a real issue especially if the metal is stressed. Chloride is not a pefect metal. But, in 99% of boat applications, it should be a good fit. I had a client that replaced a million $ of stainless plumbing because they were not aware of their water chemistry.

Had a client once use a stainless pump in a drum of ferric chloride and the pump litterally dissolved in a few weeks like the Wicked Witch of the West being hit with a pail of water.

Sorry to get all "nerdy"!

Keep it coming...don't stop...
hmm... Chloride is not a perfect metal... you meant Stainless steel???
what was the plumbing for....a swimming pool???

 

[JGator]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

Particularly in salt water, galvanized hardware gives way to rust. So, SS would not be overkill. My approach is to replace as I go . . . so when something has to be taken off/fixed/etc., I replace it with SS. This eases the $$$ pain rather than replacing all hardware at once.

[Like] as the Facebook crowd says. Each time I replace a fastener its with SS...

Jim

 

[WaterDR]

Re: SS vs. galvanized hardware

Keep it coming...don't stop...
hmm... Chloride is not a perfect metal... you meant Stainless steel???
what was the plumbing for....a swimming pool???

Crap....I meant SS.

The plumbing was in a chocolate plant.