stainless or brass screw for H33

[D Runciman]

My spouse and I have been working all summer on our sailboat she will be beauty next summer. But we have come across while painting and taking apart hand rails and other pieces that they is two different screws (brass and stainless).Brass is very hard to find. Can someone tell me why someplaces there is stainless and other places brass or is it bronze and any feedback would be appreciated.Danielleps.My husband is surprise of all the information a get from hunterowners.com and I may be promoted to first mate by next year.

 

[IslandJack]

A few reasons...

I can think of a few reasons.Aesthetics and appearances. Brass vs Silver color.Strength. Stainless is stronger. Galvanic reasons. Dissimilar metals react to each other, especially when you add water or saltwater.Magnetic reasons. High iron content may through off instruments like compasses, meaning brass is preferred.My only formal mechanical training was on military helicopters. The rule was short and sweet. Use the hardware prescribed by the manuals. The reasons were complicated enough to make me glad the rule was short and sweet. On my boats I use whatever I took out! haha. If I'm working on something that never had hardware, like a new installation, I always use stainless...but then if it were some new teak cabinetry, I would consider brass.There is an 'about.com' category www.composites.about.com is the address I believe that has tons of engineering info on metal powers and properties...if you really wanted to impress somebody with your knowledge on the subject!Jack

 

[Terry Arnold]

original handrail screws were silicon bronze

If there are mixed screws when removing the handrails, an earlier owner has probably changed out deteriorated bronze screws with stainless. Either will do for this application. Silicon bronze should be used for marine applications rather than brass.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Terry is correct about. . .

the handrail screws. You can get most any screw that you need from Jamestown Distr.(Related Link). I think I have at least one box of everything they sell. On my H37C they are three-inch #10s. Wish they made 3 1/2 but cannot find them anywhere.

 

[D Runciman]

here is one specific situation

Merci, but here is one situation:The bronze (brass) screws that were used for the stoppers on the elm under the cockpit floor why bronze (brass) and when we removed them their were bent in the shape of an S. So the XO is leaning toward stainless. Any comments!

 

[Ed Schenck]

Any brass on early Hunters?

I would be surprised if brass was ever used on the Cherubinis. Even the small screws that I have removed around the interior are bronze. The exterior screws that secure the travelers and the side trim are bronze. The screws that hold the dorade teak and winch pad teak are bronze. On my H37C the only stainless screws were all the portlights and anything around the engine.