1978 V20 CC Rebuild

[Fldivebum]

Tartuffe,
Thanks for the response. I am still removing all the bulkheads and stringers. I have been debating on what material to use on the stringers and bulkheads. I haven't started with floor yet. Going to try and finish one part at a time. Where did you get your stainless hardware. I have already seen the results of big box SS hardware. Starts rusting in a matter of months.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Fldivebum

Tartuffe,
Thanks for the response. I am still removing all the bulkheads and stringers. I have been debating on what material to use on the stringers and bulkheads. I haven't started with floor yet. Going to try and finish one part at a time. Where did you get your stainless hardware. I have already seen the results of big box SS hardware. Starts rusting in a matter of months.

That's because just like steel, there are different grades of Stainless Steel. There is 201, 301, 304, 305, 310, 316, 321, 347, 409, 410, 430, 439 and 441. Most big box stuff from China is type 201, which has a reduced amount of Nickle in it. Looks pretty, but Nickel and Chromium are the 2 major ingredients in SS for corrosion resistance. (IF you are forced to buy that stuff, buy a can of Helmsman spray Urethane and coat each part with it. The Urethane forms a barrier that will resist water from getting to the SS fittings). Much better would be to use type 304, 304 DQ or 305 SS, all of which have excellent corrosion resistance (because they have higher amounts of Nickel) and are what most marine fittings are made from. Don't worry about the other grades, they are mostly for industrial applications like strength, work hardening, or heat treating or the ilk.

[tartuffe]

I bought big box and have been trading out each time I go to west Marine. I probably will pay 5 times more over time but it's just easier given I am doing 3 screws here, 8 bolts there every few months but it's frustrating nonetheless.