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SS bolts in a strut

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by boatpoor, Feb 26, 2023.

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  1. boatpoor

    boatpoor Active Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2016
    Messages:
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    Location:
    32407
    I was removing a prop shaft from a Hunter 410 sailboat and noticed the through bolts for the strut are stainless steel. Does anyone know if this is common for theses boats? I don't spend much time on sailboats and never see stainless bolts through the hull of powerboats.
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
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    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    You answered your question in the 9th word of your post.
    Lil Hunters were fine lil cheap snail botes. Proper bronze bolts were usually 3 times the cost.
    Both metals I consider soft and near the same strength.
    As long as the stainless has good metal contact with the strut and all bonded well, should last many years.

    Now, That good many years may be close.
    Using a volt/ohm meter, measure any resistance between the bolt(s) and strut.
    If it measures near zero, then one fear is gone.

    My larger fear of stainless thru hull bolts;
    Look well on the inside of the hull. All still very dry, NO STAINS..
    Stainless does have a problem, crevice corrosion..

    If this was my snail bote, I would pull one or two bolts looking for black stains on the bolt whare out of site.
    Never re-use what you pull.

    BTW, Above water chain plates have this same issue.

    If you do pull a bolt or two, send us some pictures.
  3. boatpoor

    boatpoor Active Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2016
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    Location:
    32407
    My biggest concern is crevice corrosion although I can only offer opinions and suggestions since it's not my boat and I'm just helping a friend.
    Capt Ralph likes this.