Spreader bracket rivets

[sidvorak]

Hello all,

So this weekend, after sailing in SF Bay, I noticed that one of the rivets holding the port spreader bracket had popped off. I was pretty happy that this hadn't resulted in me loosing the rig!

Anyway, I went ahead and bought new brackets from D & R and was wondering if anyone knew what depth rivet to use to attach these to the mast.

Thanks!

[kokko]

I had the same problem on my DSI and used standard 5/32 aluminum rivets that are about 1/2 ling, and with an aluminum washer.

[GreenLake]

Are those the standard "pop" rivets that are hollow when mounted? On my mast, someone used solid core rivets (there's a plug remaining in the hole when they are mounted), which I've never seen offered anywhere.

Does anyone know what the difference is between these types of rivets?
Are the standard "pop" rivets strong enough?

[sidvorak]

Thanks kokko! I was wondering, why use a washer? I ask because none of the current rivets on my boat have washers.

GreenLake: Yes mine are all "pop" rivets with hollow cores. I believe they are all original as my boat has not had much upgrading or improvement done to it. I am, however, planning on using SS rivets since I've read that they hold up better and are stronger than the aluminum.

[GreenLake]

Using dissimilar metals, of course, is more challenging when it comes to corrosion control. SS fasterners in aluminum would be more benign than the other way around. Ideally you would use something to electrically isolate the SS from the aluminum, but it's hard to see how to do that effectively with rivets.

[kokko]

I used a washer to spread the load out a bit more.

[talbot]

I have been warned not to use steel rivets in aluminum spars. The idea is that if you encounter a force great enough to break the rivet, it's probably enough to do some damage to the spar. You want the opportunity to see the aluminum rivet deform and replace it, rather than have an apparently good rivet wear a larger hole in the mast. And non-stainless rivets or screws are awful. They corrode and are difficult to replace. It took me half a day to cut away all the corroded cheap steel fasteners that a previous owner had installed on my boat.

[GreenLake]

Know what you mean, I still have some corroded screws that I can't get out.

A neat book: "Boatowners Guide to Corrosion" by Everett Collier.