Which fastener for heel bearing

[Sinbad1]

Help needed from metallurgist.

Boat has a 316 stainless rudder shaft, the base of which sits in a bronze bush which is itself housed in what appears to be a bronze bush housing/heel bearing. This heel bearing housing is bolted through the GRP long keel.

Last winter I rebushed the heel bearing and replaced the two rivets fixing the heel bearing to the keel, with what I assumed were two bronze bolts. I now have extensive electrolysis on the these two bolt heads and on the nuts. What material should I be using for bolting the heel bearing?...........and if I made up two rivets from a solid copper bar, would this be effective enough to prevent electrolysis?

Thanks everyone.

 

[dickh]

Sounds like the best material would be Monel - but probably expensive - or use a good quality Silicon Bronze or Phosphor Bronze - NOT manganese bronze, which is little better than Brass.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[paulg]

Why not bang a couple of 316 bolts in? The rudder post is ok why not the bolts?

paul