Well timed for some fall projects I am planning. If one does use stainless rivets, what is the best way to protect against corrosion? Use of the same products mentioned under stainless screws?
I have had good luck on my Potter 15 using all AL rivets from the hardware store on boom hardware. The loads are light and I inspect them often. One consideration is what kind of load is on a rivet. Does it simply hold something in place that is under compression or is it under tension? A gooseneck on the boom may only be under compression on the boom and not need SS rivets whereas the shroud attachments on the mast will have much more tension and may need SS rivets or a through bolt. The tabernacle at the base of the mast seems like it would only have compression and not need SS rivets. I would rather shear rivets than destroy the mast or rip off the top of the cabin in the event of a standing rigging failure. Drilling out SS rivets is difficult & there is a corrosion concern so I avoid using them. They are a lot easier to drill out with a drill press, if possible. I have contemplated building a wooden boom but don't know of a convenient place to source it without high expense.
Well timed for some fall projects I am planning. If one does use stainless rivets, what is the best way to protect against corrosion? Use of the same products mentioned under stainless screws?
Good, thorough article. Thanks
Good article.
I have had good luck on my Potter 15 using all AL rivets from the hardware store on boom hardware. The loads are light and I inspect them often. One consideration is what kind of load is on a rivet. Does it simply hold something in place that is under compression or is it under tension? A gooseneck on the boom may only be under compression on the boom and not need SS rivets whereas the shroud attachments on the mast will have much more tension and may need SS rivets or a through bolt. The tabernacle at the base of the mast seems like it would only have compression and not need SS rivets. I would rather shear rivets than destroy the mast or rip off the top of the cabin in the event of a standing rigging failure. Drilling out SS rivets is difficult & there is a corrosion concern so I avoid using them. They are a lot easier to drill out with a drill press, if possible. I have contemplated building a wooden boom but don't know of a convenient place to source it without high expense.
what about stainless steel rigging, this is usually swaged with copper ferrules to allay corrosion