Use of Pop Rivits in Salt Water

[minuteman62-64]

I want to install a couple of brackets on my aluminum hull. The brackets will be above the water line and be used to support a bow platform. Boat is used strictly in salt water.

Will aluminum pop rivits like, those I'd get in my neighborhood hardware store, stand up in a salt water application? I would use the ones with the aluminum mandril, probably in 3/16 inch diameter. Or, should I be using SS or monel?

Reason I ask is that I have some aluminum rivits on my kayak, which is used in salt water, and one of them corroded to the point of failure (although it did take about 20 years).

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Use of Pop Rivits in Salt Water

I just looked on the West Marine site - their aluminum pop rivets indicate that they are "recommended for fresh water."

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Use of Pop Rivits in Salt Water

it would seem to me that rivet failure on an accy bracket in 20 yrs is a non issue.... if they corrode it takes just a few seconds to replace em

OR you could use stainless.... I'd say that sealing behind the bracket might be a good idea tho to keep the salt out

 

[Outsider]

Re: Use of Pop Rivits in Salt Water

I'd use stainless or monel anywhere and in any environment. They will both corrode eventually, but stainless will take a bunch longer ...

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Use of Pop Rivits in Salt Water

Use a closed end blind (pop) rivet, they're a heavier and stronger rivet.

 

[oops!]

Re: Use of Pop Rivits in Salt Water

hi...

Im gonna slide this down to the "dry dock" (the restoration forum) where the reevit people can see it...

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Use of Pop Rivits in Salt Water

Most boats are made with aluminum rivets and they seem to hold up quite well in/out of salt water. However, if you're worried, you could/always coat them with a bit of 3M 5200 marine caulk to help make it water tight and to reduce their exposure to the elements. I suppose SS would work well too, but sounds a little pricey. If it's just for your kayak, they do make very strong plastic pop rivets that work very well and never rot. Holler if you want a link to them.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Use of Pop Rivits in Salt Water

If it's just for your kayak, they do make very strong plastic pop rivets that work very well and never rot. Holler if you want a link to them.

Sorry for the confusion. It is not for my kayak, it is for my aluminum skiff. I just brought up the kayak experience as an example of my concern.

Good point on the 20-year experience with the rivet on my kayak though. If the rivets in my contemplated bracket fail after 20 years I'll be 91 when it happens and probably won't know or care