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 Attaching to Mast and Boom		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Teakman
Deckhand

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9 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/10/2004 :  15:11:34  Show Profile
I know this is a basic question, but what is the procedure for attaching cleats, mast plates or blocks to the mast and boom? Drill holes and use sheet metal screws? Anyone have more particular advice, like screw size?

Thanks.

Mike
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D Wrate
1st Mate

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38 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2004 :  15:19:06  Show Profile  Visit D Wrate's Homepage
From my reading and expereince there are three schools of thought on this.

1) drill, tap & use machine screws

2) drill and use sheet metal screws

3) drill and use rivits

For me the method would depend on the application. Lightly loaded fittings can get away with sheet metal screws or rivits but I think heavily loaded fittings need machine screws.

None of this is based on any scientific research more a consolidation of other posts & readings.
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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2004 :  16:13:07  Show Profile
With machine metal screws you will have more threads in contact with the boom or mast versus a sheet metal screw. If you don't have a drill and tap kit may I recommend a small kit available at Sears. You get a tap wrench, and several size taps with the appropriate number drills and it comes in a little case. For each size tap, you use a certain size number drill. Don't forget to use a never seize compound on any stainless fastener attached to aluminum.

I generally use a 3/16" machine screw with oval heads to attach small cleats, etc.

I learned this from a machinist who was a member of the Catalina 22 discussion forum.
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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2004 :  17:20:04  Show Profile
Never having used a tap and die before, I drilled and used sheet metal screws for the first year of boat ownership; with many twisted off heads. Now that I have purchased a tap and die kit, I'll never go back. :-)
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rclift
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2004 :  19:42:55  Show Profile
I've used self tapping stainless steel screws in the boom and mast with out any problems. Especially liked using them for the mast gates.
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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2004 :  21:21:52  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
Mike,

Machine screws and pop rivets are both OK in aluminum. Use Never-Sieze or similar. The tap & drill kit Frank Gloss mentioned is perfect for working on boats. I avoid using self tapping sheet metal screws whenever possible, either in aluminum or fiberglass. Purists don't even like to see them used in wood, but it doesn't bother me. But that's just my opinion. I'm in a very corrosive environment.

-- Leon Sisson
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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2004 :  23:47:51  Show Profile  Visit Frank Hopper's Homepage
I have always used standard SS sheet metal screws for removable items like mast gates and SS pop rivets for everything else. I sail on an inland lake and have never seen galvanic action or corrosion on any of my boat's hardware.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.