pete writes:

Hi,
well I'm just getting around to casting and fitting my lead keel, and
I'm using 316 steel bolts ( I know some people disagree but if its
good enough for Van der Stadt its good enough for me!)

So I have ordered the rod and will have a thread cut for the bit that
sticks into the boat, but now my suppliers are offering me A2 nuts to
fit the thread and hold it to the hull.
Does this sound good enough? Should they be A4- or do I have to get
nuts made from 316 steel too?
What is the differnce between A2, A4 and 316 anyway?
Hoping someone can clear a little confusion here.

Pete

A2 and A4 are designations I am used to see here in Sweden.
A4 is the stuff you want on a boat if you want to avoid rust.
It is also very strong. A2 is not quite as stainless. If the
difference is merely about looks or if there is more to it I don't
know. I have to look it up.

316 is an American designation I think. How it relates to A2 and A4
I don't know. There are conversion tables that should tell you.

--
Martin Schöön "Problems worthy of attack
show their worth by hitting back."
Piet Hein