[quote=tami]It's not the best thing to install dissimilar metals, because there is a galvanic (I believe that's the term) reaction which occurs, and corrosion (known in engineering circles as "white stuff") is accelerated.
So you isolate the fastener with some sort of goo. Tef-gel is highly recommended for this. I think it's at West Marine, just do a Google search for "tef-gel".
Just dip the rivet in the goo and install as usual. I expect a bit should squeeze out the sides, just like you were sealing with silicone. Which silicone will work but not nearly as well as Tef-Gel which is specifically designed for the application.
here's their website/info page
http://www.tefgel.com/contain.php?param=tefgel_infor
edit: I forgot to answer your other question. Depending on the make, there will be stainless or aluminum rivets, I've seen both. If you think about it, that joint really only takes strain when the mast is raised or lowered. otherwise it's in compression. So being bloody-minded about the fasteners isn't really that necessary.<!-- editby --><em>Edited by tami on Jun 30, 2011 - 07:34 AM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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