Another alternative is to use monel rivets. Monel is tops for marine use. Monel is probably the best metal that can be chosen for use in the marine industry. This alloy ranks fairly high on the Galvanic Scale and is comprised of two-thirds nickel and one-third copper. It possesses high tensile strength (slightly less than 300 series stainless steels), is very ductile, and it is highly resistant to corrosion from atmospheric and sea water exposure. One of monel's best qualities is that it is most corrosion resistant in moving sea water. There are a variety of parts that are comprised of monel for marine use such as annular-threaded nails, screws, nuts, bolts, props, prop shafts, even wire rope. Monel can pit if it is exposed to long-term stagnant salt water, but very, very rarely. One indication that monel is beginning to corrode is when a grayish-green patina forms on the metal's surface. However, as stated before, it is a rare occasion to see corrosion develop on monel. I use it for all my seizing wire applications as well. Joe Seafrog M-17 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Blake Reimer" <blkreimer@yahoo.com> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 12:20 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Loctite Blue on the boom Myself, I am a big fan of STAINLESS STEEL pop rivets - the regular aluminum ones are prone to failure due to oxidation - especially in salt water. Stainless is a little harder to install (and drill out!) but very tenacious. Make sure you size the length of the rivet properly so that the shank of the "nail" extends about 1/4" beyond the back side of the boom thickness. If you are using a cheap, lightweight rivet gun, you risk breaking a handle, so be careful. Blake Reimer M-15 IOTA _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats