Rivet Strength

[jbrooks9]

I see alot of people using pop rivets on their boat to attach things.  I am still trying to figure out how I am going to mount a bracket to my boat for my trolling motor.  Someone suggested I rivet a .100 aluminum plate to the front of the boat.  I like the idea but am concerned about using rivets.  I can bolt it to the bow but will have to use rivets along the side of the boat.  What kind of holding power do rivets have?

[bowtech_182]

If you want to rivet the plate to your boat I would suggest that you not use pop rivets.  Why can you not bolt it along the side?  I am an aviation sheetmetal mechanic so I shoot rivets on a daily basis.  If you are going to use rivets go to your local airplane repair station and have them shoot some solid AD style rivets in there.  If you only have access to one side you can ask them to shoot some cherrymax rivets in there.  It is a pop rivet on streoids and is much stronger than a normal pop rivet.  Depending on the size of the plate I would also go up to at least .125" plate

Andy

[Spnrbait_]

I don't understand what you mean by attaching to the side.  I also work aircraft sheetmetal.  I think 3/16 pop rivets will hold.  I have seen guys use self tapping screws for their boats but they have tendency to back out.  Can you post a pic?

[RobDar]

depends on the rivets...

the rivets you buy from Home Depot...probably not real impressive...but look around on the net...there are some industrial rivet with some very impressive  holding strength. The most important part of rivets is making sure you have the right rivets for the thickness you are riveting. If you are really worried, back up the rivets with some good 2 part epoxy.

[jbrooks9]

Here is a pic of where I want to mount the motor.  As you can see the front has a lip I can bolt to but the side does not.  I was going to attach rivets to the rim of the boat as well as the front deck.  

[Catt]

I too am a certified Airframe & Power Plant Mechanic as well as a Manufacturing Engineer.

1) You will not be able to use solid rivets on the top rail of the boat due to fact you can't access the rivet tail.  

2) Pop rivets will hold but not very well.

3) My suggestion would be to weld the plate thus solving the problem for ever.  

Don't forget the plate needs to be in the shape of an L"