Stainless Steel Hardware 316 or 304?

[The Islander]

Does anyone know what type of stainless steel hardware was used in the production of the 26M boats?

Was it 316 or 304?

I know that 316 is recommended for salt conditions over the 304.

Thanks,

Ed

[OverEasy]

Hi The Islander

From my experiences so far with our 2001 Mac26X I’d hazard a guess that it’s more likely 304 or 308 rather than 316 and it’s definitely not 316L.

If one were to be doing any metal water contact hardware fabrication I’d suggest going with 316L…. That’s just my two cents.

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[The Islander]

I got my 316 Stainless Steel bolts, locking nuts and washers from Ma. today. About $10 total for a complete set to replace the bolts that hold the rudder brackets on my 2008 26M which were completely corroded.

I will look into the 316L SS hardware.

Does anyone have a suggestion where to find them for future mods below the waterline?

Thanks,

Ed

[Wyb2]

Not sure if 316L hardware is readily available at the consumer level. 316 will be fine for anything that is not continuously submerged in salt water. For deck hardware, I’m sure most boat builders use 304 as it’s cheaper, and it does fine. I think most bow and stern rails, and Bimini and dodger frames are made from 304 tubing, and they can look good for decades with occasional washing and polishing.

Edit: I missed “below the waterline”. Honestly, 316 is probably still fine and what most people use as it’s what they can buy. But if someone has a source for 316L hardware, I’d be curious.

[OverEasy]

My source in the past has been
https://www.fastenersolutions.com/304l- ... less-steel


You can also try Bolt Depot… they can special order
https://boltdepot.com/Catalog?F_Materia ... _Grade=316

There are others one can search for.

Remember, the real cost of a project.
The hardware cost is the small aspect in most projects.
It the time and efforts as well as consequences that are the real expenses.

Best Regards
Over Easy

[Wyb2]

The first link says “We do not currently stock 316L stainless steel fasteners for online purchasing. If you are interested in ordering 316L stainless steel bolts and fasteners, please contact us or request a quote to discuss your project’s needs.”

The hardware cost might be a small percentage, but if you start chasing down specialty hardware, it adds to those big ones- time and effort.

If you want to chase perfection, I’d argue skip right to the big guns:

https://www.mcmaster.com/screws/material~titanium-2/