Backing Plates

[OllieC]

I am (will be that is, snow outside) in the process of adding a new stainless steel anchor roller and cleat on the bow of my boat. There is an anchor locker at the bow so I will have access to fasten the bolts. Once measured, it should be a pretty straight forward job.

Last week, I went to Menards and picked up some aluminum stock to cut and make backing plates with. After doing so, I had a relapse in my thinking; "Won't to dissimilar metals cause corrosion"?

Now I'm stuck. I've been googling to see if anyone around here can make me a SS backing plate, but I would prefer not to pay another $30-$50 from what I've read online.

Anyone ever work with stainless steel? Is it easy to drill or cut? How thick? (22' Cuddy and 15lb Anchor) All I need is 2 pieces. 2"x4" with 3 holes and another 1"x4" with 2 holes. Would anything else work?

Thanks,
Ollie

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Backing Plates

I'm not a metals guy, but I would be surprised if merely the contact of a SS bolt and washer would cause problems. Anyway, if it's in an accessible area, you can keep an eye on it. You could always paint the aluminum to reduce the contact. But i seem to recall people using SS screws and fittings in aluminum boats.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Backing Plates

I am (will be that is, snow outside) in the process of adding a new stainless steel anchor roller and cleat on the bow of my boat. There is an anchor locker at the bow so I will have access to fasten the bolts. Once measured, it should be a pretty straight forward job.

Last week, I went to Menards and picked up some aluminum stock to cut and make backing plates with. After doing so, I had a relapse in my thinking; "Won't to dissimilar metals cause corrosion"?

Now I'm stuck. I've been googling to see if anyone around here can make me a SS backing plate, but I would prefer not to pay another $30-$50 from what I've read online.

Anyone ever work with stainless steel? Is it easy to drill or cut? How thick? (22' Cuddy and 15lb Anchor) All I need is 2 pieces. 2"x4" with 3 holes and another 1"x4" with 2 holes. Would anything else work?

Thanks,
Ollie

Ayuh,.... Most of it is 'bout Impossible to cut, 'n drillin' it, ya need Alota oil, 'cause as the bit is cuttin', if ya hesitate, it work hardens, 'n ya gotta drill it somewhere else...
I say Most, 'cause there's so many grades of SSteel,...

Aluminum or even 1/2" plywood will work, Just Fine,....