Best Bang For The Buck Fasteners

so lets suppose Im working on a motor cruiser with a double diagonal hull, Im thinking I'll be plastic nailing my first layers into place and scewing that last one to my stringers

whats my best fastener for the buck

I could go all out and use silicone bronze
I could get cheap and use galvanized
what are my best options and whats the cost pr K

any thoughts on durability/cost

 

I haven't build a boat yet, but otherwise have experience. I don't see a reason why good quality galvanized screws wouldn't last, under fiberglassing at least, they just have to stay dry.

Here in Finland I think Stainless screws are a lot cheaper than bronze, don't know if thats the case elsewhere. I've used stainless screws with pressure treated wood, because zinc won't last with the copper- and chromesalts used in the wood.

The small boat I'll build in the near future will have basic electrocoated screws.

 

I don't know that it really matters, but I would be concerned with about galvinized screws since the zinc might act like a sacrificial anode if you ever wound up in a hot harbor. But I am sure some of the others might have a better understanding.

 

Stay away from galvanized screws. They are fine for a barn wall, but moisture gets everywhere. When the zinc is gone the rusting steel screw will swell up like Mr. Big in a Bond movie. Silicone bronze are the best and stainless steel come in second for salt water resistance.

 

Lloyd's would give 15 year rating to galvanized. That means they need a survey or automatically downgrade after. Stainless is worse because of crevice corrosioin. Silicon bronze is the best.

 

Gonzo,
What is the Lloyds rating for stainless?

 

Zero bellow the waterline. It should never be submerged.

 

My ignorance is exposed, but at least I was right about the silicone bronze. Thanks.

 

Just noticed your sig line. LOL, you're not supposed to tug on superman's cape either! Apologies to Jim Croce

 

I have built a number of boats from 25' to 52' using silicon bronze, epoxy coated staples in various lengths up to 2 3/8" long using a power stapler.
The new gas powered hand portable staplers are the best and quickest.
Of course all the joins should be made using Epoxy Glue. The staples are the secondary fastners and are much better than screws IMO.

 

Sorry about spelling silicone bronze. I know it should be spelled silicon bronze, but for 19 years I worked at a surgery center where we installed silicone breast implants.

 

sounds like a fun job

excuse me sir
could you please hold these breasticles for

 

We also installed saline breast implants. If you put your ear close you could hear the ocean.

 

Wrong saline my friend.

0.9% vs 3.9% but I like the puting your ear to them idea.

-Tom