What fastener for an external sail track?

[okawbow]

I have removed the damaged sail track from my Cheoy lee 31 mast and boom. What would be the best fastener for the new track? The holes are 3/16", spaced about 3" apart. The wall thickness on the aluminum mast is about 3/16".

would blind (pop) rivets work? Should I drill and tap, (150) holes for screws?

[Tim]

My choice would be drill and tap, but one could pop-rivet if one preferred that method.

[boatsnh]

Pop rivit is much faster.
Both hold about the same if correct fastener used.
If you drill & tap make sure to use teff-gell or something like it to keep galvanic corrosion at bay
Mike

[okawbow]

If I use the blind rivets; should they be stainless steel, with stainless mandrells? If stainless screws; what type stainless steel? Any advice on where to buy?