Refastening clinker hull

[Andy]

Hi. I am about to refasten the hull of my clinker built Yachting World Dayboat and was wondering if I should go up a size when replacing the square sectioned copper nails and domed roves, or stick with the size currently in the hull. Any boatbuilders out there know which is normally done?

Andy

[Robert Gainer]

Why are you removing the old rivets? They are copper and very soft; you can tighten them instead of replacing them. If you need to replace them and the hole is still good, just use the same size.
Robert Gainer

[Andy]

hi Robert, thanks for your reply. many of the roves are now just red powder, so it seems like a good idea to replace them. i think the holes are ok, so i'll try your suggestion of using the same size again.

Andy

[gonzo]

If the hole is good you can stay with the same size. I doubt they are though. The corrosion in the metal usually produces chemicals that attack the wood. If you use a larger size, keep them as small as possible.