Edson pedestal bolts- replacement

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PDA1

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Aug 19, 2013
18
Catalina 30 MkIII Tall rig In the water
We have a '94 Catalina 30 MkIII. On our boat the Edson pedestal steering bolts which secure the compass to the area just above the transmission and throttle levers were made of galvanized steel. As it was supposed to happen, the bolts loosened and the assembly rattled. So to get 4 new Aluminum bolts from Edson costs $14 or so apiece.

But, if you buy them from http://www.non-ferrousfastener.com/products.php?cat=101&pg=2 you can get them for $1.09 each.

The size is 1/4-20 4" long.
 
D

Donnybrook

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Apr 2, 2011
185
Catalina 27 Niceville, FL
I used stainless steel bolts from Ace Hardware for about $1.50 ea. Lanacote on the threads.
 
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PDA1

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Aug 19, 2013
18
Catalina 30 MkIII Tall rig In the water
Lanacote?

What's Lanacote and what does it do to prevent galvanic reaction?
 
jrowan

jrowan

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Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
Stainless steel bolts are stronger, but they have a strong tendency to cause galvanic corrosion between the dissimilar metals of the aluminum pedestal base & the SS bolts.
So over time the aluminum will corrode & pit around the steel as it will deteriorate faster,
the then the SS bolts will lock up & be extremely hard to get out in the future. Lanacote (originally made with lanolin) is a lubricant that can help slow the corrosion by lubricating the threads of the bolts, but it cannot really stop corrosion. Salt air is especially hard on aluminum. But it doesn't seem to harm thick aluminum as much, such as masts, other then pitting the surface.
 
jimmcgee

jimmcgee

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Feb 26, 2008
603
Catalina 30 Marathon, FL
TefGel and Permatex Anti-Seize lubricant are some other options. You should always coat bolts and screws going into aluminum mast or binnacle parts.
 
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