Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

[ctswf]

All my searching and I can't find a definitive answer on this.

Fastening a new 3/4" deck to starcraft aluminum stringers.

"The length of the rivet should be equal to the thickness of both objects you are fastening, plus 1.5 times the diameter of the rivet's stem"

3/4 ply + aluminum stringer + a little resin and cloth build up on the plywood.

I came up with a rivet size of about:
1-1/8 length x 3/16 or 1/4 diameter

Does this sound right? and where do you buy them online.

Should I be concerned with metal alloys, or will any aluminum rivet with sealant be ok?

thank you, I searched all over but I keep finding people asking with no exact answer

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

3/4" of aluminum?!:faint2:
3/4" of plywood I would bolt it or screw it down

 

[ctswf]

Re: Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

yes 3/4" plywood

 

[Bondo]

Re: Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

Ayuh,.... I did my starcraft with 1/2" plywood, 'n used 1" rivets,...
No sealin' rivets though...plain ole pop-rivets for the deckin'...

I'd think yer lookin' at 1, 1/4" if available or 1, 1/2" x 3/16"...
Aluminum rivet, 'n pin, don't use the aluminum rivet, 'n steel pin, it'll rust...

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

Here's where I buy mine:
Dome Head | Aluminum Rivet w/Aluminum Mandrel - Buy Rivets Online

They have the .876-1.0" in both 3/16 and 1/4" diameters, you'll need the heavy duty rivet setter for the 1/4" diameter. A regular setting tool will work for the 3/16 diameter.

I used the .876-1.0" grip range for my 3/4" plywood that had 4 coats of epoxy and marine vinyl with adhesive and they held fine.

I hope you're not planning on covering your deck fasteners with a deck finish like carpet? Aluminum boats should have the deck panels prefinished before installation and then fastened down so you can remove the deck panels if need be without ruining your deck finish.

 

[ctswf]

Re: Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

Awesome that's exactly what I needed thank you. Do you remember how far apart you spaced them? I was thinking like 20" perhaps (starting my first rebuild)

Also, I think it was you who posted this link in another thread, but would you mind recommending which size closed end rivet to use for outer hull repair?
closed end blind rivets

I hope you're not planning on covering your deck fasteners with a deck finish like carpet? Aluminum boats should have the deck panels prefinished before installation and then fastened down so you can remove the deck panels if need be without ruining your deck finish.

I'm still learning here, but my plan was to epoxy the plywood both sides (maybe cloth too). Install it, add another coat, paint it.

I want the floor as removable as possible in case of issues, Im not sure if I should rivet it down fully finished then caulk rivets on installation, or epoxy> rivet w/caulk> then paint over all.

So you like the marine vinyl floor? I dont know much about it, I want a hard floor similar to how my previous fiberglass boats have been, so I just assumed harden it with resin and paint it

 

[ctswf]

Re: Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

have you or anyone else bought one of the cheap $20 range larger rivet tools? ...waste of money?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

The $20 Harbor Freight heavy duty rivet setters are ok.

For the closed end rivets, if you're just going through one material thickness the .020-.125 will be good. If going through 2 material thicknesses the .126-.250 should be good.

I spaced my deck rivets 12" fore to aft and 8" port to starboard. I wouldn't space them any further apart than 12" and 8" will be bettter, you want your decking to be firmly secured.

The marine vinyl is a hard finish, it isn't a cushioned vinyl. This is what it looks like in my boat:
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...ir/97-tracker-pro-deep-v-facelift-509163.html

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Aluminum rivet size for 3/4" deck and where to get them online?

I'm a huge fan of my vinyl and would use it again in a heartbeat.