Hi Doug, I am not a metalurgist or a boat builder but I did replace the rivets on my spreaders with stainless. I have some pictures and comments on my Picasa site https://picasaweb.google.com/110938325409185510143/M23. My only comment would be that I have read the stainless is the way to go and based on the special tools I needed to get the pop rivets installed they are much much stronger. Happy gaff rig sailing! Robbin On 4/4/2012 1:41 PM, douglas kelch wrote:
I am curious about Tom's comment on stainless pop rivets.
I used to use stainless self taping screws. Over 10 years of use, often in saltwater, they fused to the boom and were not easily removable and the resulting larger hole was not useable.
I switched to aluminum pop rivets as thier strength seems to be well in excess of the need on small boats like ours.
There does not seem to be any need or advantage to stainless pop rivets.
Am I wrong here?
Thanks
Doug Kelch M15 G" #310 "Seas the Day"