What type of screws and bolts to use?

[Louky]

Hi All. I just bought my first Marinette a couple months ago. It's a 1987, 32' Fisherman. I've heard that you have to be particular about what type of screws, nuts, and bolts you use, so not to cause a reaction with the aluminum. If this is true, what should I use? It appears that stainless steel has been used on it now.

Also, If a screw hole is stripped out, should I just go with the next larger size, or how should I repair.

Thanks so much!

Louky.

[DougDoty]

Stainless is the choice for sure, anodes and trim tabs were installed with stainless from the factory with great success. I guess it would depend on where your screw is stripped but the normal answer is to up size if needed. I have saw this done on stantion bases with good and acceptable appearing results.

[Cabinfever]

Depending on the location of your stripped screw you can buck it. Use a larger hammer on the backside and pound on the outside with the ball side of a ball peen hammer, this should effectively shrink your hole for the standard size screw, as long as you can get to the back side with your larger hammer.

[bill]

Hi All. I just bought my first Marinette a couple months ago. It's a 1987, 32' Fisherman. I've heard that you have to be particular about what type of screws, nuts, and bolts you use, so not to cause a reaction with the aluminum. If this is true, what should I use? It appears that stainless steel has been used on it now.

Also, If a screw hole is stripped out, should I just go with the next larger size, or how should I repair.

Thanks so much!

Louky.

Do the fast jeff fix. There are numerous write ups on replacing stripped out screw holes especially rail stantions. Hopefuly it will follow us to this new sight.
You can go to McMaster Carr web site and look up "Aluminum Heavy Duty Rivet Nuts". I used 10-32 flat head stainless screws.This is a permanent fix for washed out holes in aluminum. I did all of my rail stantions about five years ago and they are still tight.
Bill

[Louky]

You guys are great! That's some very useful information.

Thank you so much!
Louky