Snap install

[Kevin Puls]

Part of my Alcatraz (giant grey rock on my fishing boat for open water hoping to find some really dumb ducks) built involves putting snaps all the way around the boat, similar to how a cover maker would install them.

Tips before I start drilling holes all over the sides of my boat? Drill bits, dialectic grease? I’ll be putting stainless steel into aluminum.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Part of my Alcatraz (giant grey rock on my fishing boat for open water hoping to find some really dumb ducks) built involves putting snaps all the way around the boat, similar to how a cover maker would install them.

Tips before I start drilling holes all over the sides of my boat? Drill bits, dialectic grease? I’ll be putting stainless steel into aluminum.

Kevin~
Just a couple of thoughts:
1) Conventional snaps are always my last resort. I prefer products like this - or in metal:
https://www.sailrite.com/Easy-Insta...ibYDR3JAaD-HEvPkSYzKMwy4X-FSZ0HMaAuToEALw_wcB

2) If installing the fasteners yourself (vs. a canvas maker?) I recommend instaslling in the canvas first THEN pacing them on the deck/hull so each is snug (but not too taut).

3) Isolating other metals from aluminum is important - but beyond my expertise - especially around saltwater. When I have done it, I created a chemical barrier with 3M 5200. Others probably have much more knowledge and a better solution(s).

All the best,

SJS

 

[RM Anderson]

Kevin,
I don't know how thick the aluminum on your boat is but normally the hardest part of working with aluminum is that it is kind of gummy when cutting threads. Instead of using your very expensive SS screws to cut threads get yourself a tap or at the very least some sacrificial self tapping screws with the same thread pattern. My brother used a specific product for bedding the screws in aluminum but I cannot recall the name of it. As Steve mentioned, 3M 5200 seems like a reasonable alternative.
RM

 

[T Entwistle]

Part of my Alcatraz (giant grey rock on my fishing boat for open water hoping to find some really dumb ducks) built involves putting snaps all the way around the boat, similar to how a cover maker would install them.

Tips before I start drilling holes all over the sides of my boat? Drill bits, dialectic grease? I’ll be putting stainless steel into aluminum.

I always use Tef-gel when putting stainless hardware into my aluminum boat.

TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page

 

[RM Anderson]

My brother used a specific product for bedding the screws in aluminum but I cannot recall the name of it.

I always use Tef-gel when putting stainless hardware into my aluminum boat.

TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page

Yes, that's the stuff!

 

[Huntindave McCann]

Part of my Alcatraz (giant grey rock on my fishing boat for open water hoping to find some really dumb ducks) built involves putting snaps all the way around the boat, similar to how a cover maker would install them.

Tips before I start drilling holes all over the sides of my boat? Drill bits, dialectic grease? I’ll be putting stainless steel into aluminum.

What would be the purpose of the dialectic grease?

 

[Steve Sanford]

I always use Tef-gel when putting stainless hardware into my aluminum boat.

TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page

Thanks!

I will be bolting a new transom board (Coosa Board) onto our 1958 Crestliner Viking sometime this winter. Seems like a good s/s (316 alloy) will work for bolts as long as they are bedded in Tef-Gel.

All the best,

SJ

 

[Kevin Puls]

What would be the purpose of the dialectic grease?

Stainless steel and aluminum have a chemical reaction over time and will corrode and seize.

 

[Huntindave McCann]

Stainless steel and aluminum have a chemical reaction over time and will corrode and seize.

You do understand dieletric grease is at best just a temporary measure?
Better Alternatives for Fasteners

• • Tef-Gel or Lanocote: Waterproof paste made specifically to stop dissimilar metal corrosion in harsh or marine environments.
  • Anti-seize compound: Nickel-based or specialized anti-seize prevents stainless fasteners from galling or fusing into aluminum threads.

 

[Kevin Puls]

You do understand dieletric grease is at best just a temporary measure?
Better Alternatives for Fasteners

• • Tef-Gel or Lanocote: Waterproof paste made specifically to stop dissimilar metal corrosion in harsh or marine environments.
  • Anti-seize compound: Nickel-based or specialized anti-seize prevents stainless fasteners from galling or fusing into aluminum threads.

In my defense I thought it was sort of the same thing. But I intend to use Tef-gel if I can find it.

 

[Geoff Pike]

Have you thought about using aluminum rivets as fasteners?

 

[Huntindave McCann]

Have you thought about using aluminum rivets as fasteners?

This is certainly an option, especially in areas in which the screw threads may be exposed (even inside a storage compartment). A few of my earlier boats used rivet to attach the snaps. I will say, using screws seems to be the more predominate method these days.

 

[Kevin Puls]

Have you thought about using aluminum rivets as fasteners?

No, I have had very little success with rivets over the years.

 

[Geoff Pike]

This is certainly an option, especially in areas in which the screw threads may be exposed (even inside a storage compartment). A few of my earlier boats used rivet to attach the snaps. I will say, using screws seems to be the more predominate method these days.

I was thinking the aluminum on aluminum should negate the reaction.