pitch in bilges and iron nails

[pirate]

in the process of cleaning out bilges ready to replace some
frames in my 7 ton hillyard.the gap between the top of the keel down to the garboard is full of what looks like pitch.i have been removing this to fit in new timbers and was wondering if i should re fill with pitch when its done or simply paint the area?the wood is in good condition considering it is 76 years old so it obviously works.
the other question regards the floors that have a 6 inch long iron nail driven through them into the wood keel.i have removed theseas they are corroded.is my only option new galavanised ones or should i try and make some stainless fasteners to replace them.have looked through all the catalogues but cant find anything suitable.
just out of interest trying to decide on how to close the gaps in my planks i put a length of pitch pine in a bucket of water to see how much it expanded.it took 3 weeks to increase 6mm in width but in the hot weather returned to its original size in 4 days!!!
at least this gives me some idea of the gap between planks that are dry so that when they swell they wont crack timbers.does anyone have any thoughts on this heath robinson experiment.
thanks for any help

 

[Mirelle]

I would put the pitch back. It may be Jefferys No 2 marine glue, in fact - this is once more available.

My boat is a mere 67, but I replaced the galvanised iron floor to frame bolts with galvanised iron ones on the advice of the boatyard, who pointed out that sixty years is "quite a good innings", and they can be replaced again in sixty years time (I won't be doing it, though!)

Pitch pine is notorious for swelling up slowly!

 

[cliffordpope]

Didn't the Chinese use a process of annealing red-hot iron nails in tar before driving them in? I recall reading of old junks being broken up and the nails still being in perfect condition after 100 years.

 

[rjp]

I have small areas of pitch in the bilge of my Buchanan sloop. It seems to have been used to facilitate drainage of any water by filling up spaces where it might otherwise collect such as behind frames etc.

John

 

[ghilliedhu]

Jeffries No2 is the right stuff. It sets quite hard but still has some give to accomodate movement. Be very careful when pouring the molten pitch into the bilges. If there is any moisture it can spit back and burn the pourer or any on lookers. Classic Marine are now making it, I think.
David