How to Keep a Boat Afloat — It's All About the Monel..

The fascination and mystery of the sea has held humanity in its watery grip since time immemorial and our ancient relatives were quick to understand the possibility of using vessels to float upon it. Our evolution as a species has been directly influenced by this simple invention in countless ways and, today, we are capable of building the biggest, safest and most sophisticated boats. Like all large structures, the success of our boats depends upon to quality of the smaller components that hold the hold thing together - so what is used to make sure the water stays out?

Rivets are often used for various aspects of boat-building and are usually of a metal grade known as Monel - we are now able to supply this grade. If you haven’t heard of it before then here are the facts.

• Monel was created by Chief Metallurgist David H Browne for the International Nickel Company and was patented in 1906

• It is a member of a group of nickel alloys, mostly composed of nickel (up to around 67%) and copper

• Small amounts of carbon, manganese, iron and silicon are also present

• Monel is stronger than pure nickel and is particularly resistant to the corrosive effects of fast-flowing seawater, hence its popularity in boat-building

• It is a ‘puritan alloy’ - this means it contains roughly the same nickel/copper ratio as found in natural nickel ore from the Sudbury Mines of Ontario

• A relatively expensive alloy, it is generally used only where cheaper, less-robust alternatives are unsuitable

• Marine-related uses include pipe systems, seawater valves, strainer baskets, trolling wire, anchor cable, shackle seizers, propeller shafts and the ubiquitous rivets

• Monel must be carefully insulated from other metals, including steel, due to galvanic corrosion by electrolytic action in seawater

• Other uses include such diverse products as musical instruments, architectural features, staples, glasses frames, experimental rockets and even (back in the 1930s), a device to discourage children from sucking their thumbs!

We offer a wide range of Monel rivets with both blind domed head and blind countersunk heads.

Our latest unique innovation, CUP Waterproof Sealed Blind Rivets, could create a whole new way of thinking for those concerned with boat and shipbuilding. For the first time ever, the industries will see a Grade 316 and Duplex Grade 318L (UNS 31803) combined into a single blind rivet that is enhanced by the ideal qualities of both. Widely refered to as Marine grade stainless 316 is used for its resitance to corrosion the closed cup needs extra strength to from correctly so a 316 Mandrel will not work, a steel one will creat the correct deformation but the residue will corrode. A Mandrel from Duplex 1.4462 / UNS 31803 solves all thse problems for the perfect waterproof non corroding solution.

Find out more about our unique CUP Waterproof Blind Sealed Rivets here or calling your partner for stainless steel - BS Stainless.