Wasted Fastenings...

From a recent wood yacht survey...



Ten (10) hull planking fasteners (#14 X 2" marine-grade bronze wood screws) were opened up at various locations at the vessel’s underbody (garboard, broad planks, at the waterline, chine, butts, transom, and hood ends) and examined and found to be generally serviceable condition. The bronze wood screw fasteners at the forward garboard and broads showed evidence of moderate (visible) alloy breakdown while the fasteners amidships and aft were generally visibly wasted from stray-current corrosion. Ownership indicated that the vessel’s wiring was found to be in a state of disrepair when he acquired the vessel and spent much time tidying-up electrical wiring in the bilge. These fastenings were deemed unserviceable were replaced with new silicon-bronze wood screws provided by ownership. New fasteners hardened-up when installed. Two (2) bronze wood screw fasteners (forward and below the water line on the starboard bow) suffered from alloy breakdown. One fastener on the starboard garboard plank near amidships spun-out. Given the total number of hull fasteners (plank, butt, and garboard) – based on this inspection – that there are still an adequate number of serviceable fasteners for a reasonable period of time. All open fastenings were sealed with glued mahogany bungs or fill with seam compound.