Mounting bolts

[KJM]

Hey everyone. I know this has likely been asked many times before but is there any good reason not to use galvanized bolts to mount the engine on the transom of my boat. I would have used stainless but I was having trouble finding the right size and there were lots of galvanized available so I used them.

 

[mike_i]

I'm just throwing this thought out there to think about. Won't the zinc coating eventually dissolve, chip or deteriorate and start corroding the exposed metal of the bolts especially if in saltwater?

 

[jbcurt00]

What boat? Aluminum? Need to replace them w stainless

 

[KJM]

What boat? Aluminum? Need to replace them w stainless

The boat is fiberglass, The motor is a 2016 yamaha f90

 

[Scott Danforth]

the galvanized coating will sacrifice itself and eventually the bolts will dissolve

 

[KJM]

I'm just throwing this thought out there to think about. Won't the zinc coating eventually dissolve, chip or deteriorate and start corroding the exposed metal of the bolts especially if in saltwater?

I think that would take a long time and I'm not sure but I think the zinc on the bolt acts the sameas the zincs on a motor. Sacrificial ions so even if some of the steel is exposed it won't rust, but don't quote me on that! Anyway its probably only for this year, I'll probably use stainless next year.

 

[KJM]

the galvanized coating will sacrifice itself and eventually the bolts will dissolve

As long as I get this year out of them. I'll change them next year.

 

[mike_i]

My uneducated guess would be that you'd be safe doing it, even for several years.

As long as I get this year out of them. I'll change them next year.

 

[robert graham]

In the short term, spray the mounting bolts with white lithium grease to protect from water…then go with stainless…

 

[dingbat]

Did you use hot dip or zinc plated? Huge difference in exposure protection.

Rust stains and gel coat don’t go well together.

 

[KJM]

Did you use hot dip or zinc plated? Huge difference in exposure protection.

Rust stains and gel coat don’t go well together.

Honestly, I wouldn't know the difference between the two, so I really don't know!

 

[dingbat]

Honestly, I wouldn't know the difference between the two, so I really don't know!

Are they shiny (silver) or matt finish?

Keep in mind that the “zinc” coating is in the neighborhood of 0.0002” thick. A miss applied wrench or socket would easily compromise the coating

You’re in no danger of using the motor, but it will not take long before you get rust stains