Replacing Screws with Rivets...

[121]

I am in the process of replacing timbers on a clinker yacht. No problem with that per se, however I noticed that in a tucked away position a couple of the lands had been screwed rather than riveted. I assume that this is a typical example of boatyard sloth, so I am minded to remove the screws and replace with the appropriate nails & roves, but what size?

The screws are 1" x 8g and just protrude through the planks internally & there are 3 screws between the timbers on two adjacent planks. Typically the nails throughout the boat are 13g through the lands, 12g through the timbers and 10g through the beam shelf.

Even though these will only through the lands, I assume I will have to use a nail size that is a tight fit through the existing screw hole in the external side of the plank if I am to avoid excessive seepage into the plank joint as a result of a sloppy fit. It would seem that this indicates a 10g nail (ie 3 sizes up from what would normally be used, however it is below the waterline....

The photo shows an internal view (highlighting absence of roves - the vacant holes on the right will be the location of a new timber being steamed in tomorrow) & external view (highlighting screw heads) of the offending arrangement.

Q: Is my thinking correct or does anybody have another idea, please?

 

[tidclacy]

Do you really need to do this. You could be causing more problems than it is worth.

If she is watertight and the screws are not deteriorating I would suggest leave well alone.

 

[oldfrank]

Agreed. Why are you doing this? OF

 

[121]

Why are you doing this?

Well simply, the bodge doesn't seem right to me and whilst the decks are off and access is good, it seemed a good idea to sort it out. However the general consensus from several sources seems to indicate that I should let sleeping dogs lie....so be it.

Thank you all for your input.