A2 or NOT A2

[EASLOOP]

I am s l o w l y renovating my East Anglian sloop - the one the subject of the woodpecker attack (vis latest PBO). Anyway, she is fitted with galvanised floors that while no longer galvanised as such are still in fairly good order. I do need to replace the coach bolts that bolt the floors to the garboard strake. I know I can use galvianised (hot dipped) as the floors are steel, and I have looked at a galvanic chart and it seems that I can use stainless also - less chance of corrosion/wood attack etc. The question is would it be OK to use A2 (304) stainless or should I really bite the bullet and use A4 (316), or should I stick with galvanised (the exisitng one have been there since 1961 !!)

Any advice from you 'old' and 'not so old salts' out there would be of great help.

John

 

[paulstevens]

Stick to galvanised steel dipped in black tar varnish, this will last many years.

A2 would corrode inside the wood within 3 years due to crevice corrosion. A4 would be slower but would still corrode eventually.

 

[Plum]

Re: I agree with Paul\'s advice - nm

nm

 

[EASLOOP]

Thanks for that Paul, I felt sure that was the best solution but it is always good to have it confirmed.
Best wishes
John