Oh Snap!

[jojo]

Hi guys,
I have a 1989 Sea Nymph GLS that needs a cover. It's an aluminum boat, and I've never screwed snaps into an aluminum boat before. Can or should this be done? If so, is there any special precautions/procedures?

[Grebo]

I believe you should use an isolating paste. Sorry not done it my self but we did built our own aluminum masts up from kits.
If you don't one metal will 'eat' the other. They are two dissimilar metals ( as you probably guessed ) To far apart on the galvanic scale or something technical...

Suzi

[Jim101]

Aluminum rivets are your friend in this case, and if at all possible, utilize stainless snaps, as I doubt there is such a thing as aluminum snaps. 

I've also never used "isolating paste".   Didn't even know such a thing existed.  Would have loved to have known about such a "paste" while in the Navy in the 70's. 

Corrosion control was, and still is, a never ending job.  Did I mention I was stationed in the Philippines for my first duty station?  Life in the tropics is tough on metal.  I can tell you all about corrosion.

Dissimilar corrosion is always a problem when dealing with  metal.  No way around it.   Anode /  cathode and all that stuff.   I'm sure Google / Wikipedia will tell you more than you ever wanted to know.

Good luck!

Jim

[jojo]

Thanks. Where can I get these aluminum rivets?
Or does anyone have any info on this "isolating paste"?

[Jim101]

Aluminum rivets are available at most hardware stores:

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hand-Tools-Fastening-Tools-Rivet-Tools-Rivets/h_d1/N-arfzZ5yc1v/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&searchNav=true

Happy riveting!

Jim

[Peppy]

I wouldn't worry about paste. In fresh water it's really not a problem. If you really really care, Jennis sells snap washers, a plastic or rubber dooie that goes between the snap and the boat. They say something about it sealing the snap too. I've never used them. The only isolating paste I've ever used is paint. As in, the boat was painted and I put a snap in it ;)

[Grebo]

OOh I was thinking salt water.  :-X

Suzi