another aluminum boat question

[txmntman]

I'm restoring a 1967 Starcraft. All aluminum boat, and I'm about the add the foam and install the deck. I've heard people using SS screws to install the deck on the the aluminum stringers. However, SS causes problems with aluminum (so I've heard). I don't see how you install a wooden deck onto aluminum stringers without the SS screws coming in contact with the aluminum. Are you using rubber washers or something to insulated the two dissimilar metals? Some insight here, please.

 

[gcboat]

Re: another aluminum boat question

Ever think about using an aluminum screw?

 

[txmntman]

Re: another aluminum boat question

actually, I have. I have not found a source for them for sure, they are hard to find, but are apparently made. They would not be near as strong as a SS screw, but I would not have any corrosion problems. I was just wondering what others were doing and if I was worrying too much about the corrosion issue.

 

[gcboat]

Re: another aluminum boat question

www.aluminumscrews.com
There's one place to start looking. My ACE Hardware carries a bunch of them but I'm on the ocean so maybe it's just a store to store thing. I really wouldn't worry too much on the corrosion issue, even in a salt water environment after a good rinse the thing should last a long time. Longer than you'll probably want to keep the boat.
Tell me what size, type of head and how many - I'll send them to you. Just send me a PM unless you want the world to see your home address.

 

[Bondo]

Re: another aluminum boat question

Ayuh,....

Why wouldn't you use aluminum Pop Rivets like Starcraft did,....

That's how I put mine back together.....

Screws will loosen,+ fall out,.... Rivets Won't......

 

[txmntman]

Re: another aluminum boat question

I guess I'll show my ignorance again. I guess I don't know how to effectively use rivits connecting wood to aluminum. I used them aluminum to aluminum, but not aluminum to wood.

 

[Bondo]

Re: another aluminum boat question

Ayuh,.....

Same function, just thicker material.....

I used 3/16" rivets(the Fat headed 1s), 3/4" long, thru 1/2" plywood.....

 

[Coors]

Re: another aluminum boat question

Google the rivets and tools- they can be bought locally.

 

[JimMachinery]

Re: another aluminum boat question

Bond-o:

I'm going to be doing the same thing soon on my 1967 Naden Aluminum boat (16' runabout). Did you use pop rivets? if so, how did you seal the holes?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[kevsuperg]

Re: another aluminum boat question

used deck screws (home depot)saw that somewhere in these posts,with finish washers,have a dimple in the middle for the screw head,i screwed right thru my carpet and 1/2 ext ply so no glue and easy to remove.

 

[rtn]

Re: another aluminum boat question

For fastening the wood floor to the aluminum bulkheads we used pullthrough pop rivets and or screws with a finishing washer. Decks etch were fastened to the gunwales with stainless steel screws, we had no problems with corrosion.

rtn

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: another aluminum boat question

For all those fasteners, McMaster-Carr has all kinds of fasteners. Web site is "www.mcmaster.com". From my experience, they have great service, fast shipping, and reasonable prices.

Terry

 

[Bondo]

Re: another aluminum boat question

Did you use pop rivets? if so, how did you seal the holes?

Ayuh,.... I used Pop-Rivets,+ covered over them......

It's more important to allow the bilge to Drain, than to Seal everything up......