Electrolytic question- Barton Slab reefing kit

[Alfie168]

For some reason my little Dehler 22 has no end of boom gear to reef the main , so I intend fitting a simple Barton 2 reef slab reefing kit, as it could do with it.

In the on-line instructions it tells you to thread stainless steel machine screws into the (alloy) boom and to use a barrier cream to prevent electrolysis. All well and good, but surely you can't protect the thread where the SS machine screws hold the track to the boom, and trouble will start there as soon as it gets wet.

Am I being too fussy, or what can anyone suggest to prevent the different metals contacting each other.

Tim

 

[lw395]

Duralac does seem to work. I would use it for under stainless fittings such as spreader brackets onto a mast.
For stainless screws into alloy, I will always use either Duralac, threadlock (e.g. Loctite 242) or a copper based anti seize compound.

 

[srp]

Durulac does seem to work - I know what you mean about the thread itself, as the act of tightening the screw will squeeze out the compound where the threads make contact. However, there will be enough at each end of the screw to prevent water ingress, so no water = no electrolyte = no corrosion. (Durulac actually sets quite hard).
To be pedantic, I wouldn't use a copper based compound personally, as copper and aluminium are so far apart on the galvanic scale. Others might accuse me of being too fussy.

 

[VicS]

Duralac (barium chromate) paste is certainly the recommend material to use but I must confess that I do not know the mechanism by which it works. I do not think a thread locking compound will be so effective in preventing corrosion. I am also a bit apprehensive about using copper based antiseizing compounds, such as Copaslip, on aluminium although I cannot find anything to say there is a problem.,

 

[Alfie168]

Thanks for you replies. Duralac it is then, and make sure the thread is well loaded with it.

Tim

 

[colvic987]

Wouldn't it be better to use monel rivets, with duralac paste on the back of the barton plate...

 

[wooslehunter]

Exactly what I used.

 

[R32Stbrigid]

I fitted the Barton track to my alloy boom 14 years ago using duralac - no problems yet ......