Givey1982
Well-known member
I am thinking of adding some aluminum framing to my boat as opposed to using wood. My question is for those who have done this did you weld the aluminum, brazen it or design it to bolt together?
Thanks
Thanks
pmshoemaker said:do you actually put rivets through the side of the boat?
TDobb said:Plywood is a WHOLE LOT cheaper than aluminum sheet though, even marine grade plywood, about 1/3 of the cost of 1/8" aluminum sheet.
TDobb said:Shoedawg, how thick was that aluminum?
pmshoemaker said:hmmm -- thanks Shoedawg. I have a grand total of 0 hrs. of experience working with rivets. When you say "buck," is that the process of squashing them with a metal backstop of some sort? (please excuse my novice terminology... but I'm a novice when it comes to rivets and such). Also, will the 5200 break down over time, leading to leaks? Or is it pretty long-lasting stuff?
What type of aluminum do you use for framing the floor? What spacing is acceptable?I used pop rivets and bucked some in my all aluminum framing. If you know how to weld aluminum, go for that, but it's a skill you must be proficient in. Welding aluminum is not like welding other metals. Stainless steel bolts work as well. Rivets are very strong and are cheaper than buying stainless steel bolts, nuts, washers in bulk, unless you can find a good deal.
Wood on the other hand is easier to work with for most, but with the right tools, patience and seeking knowledge, aluminium is pretty easy to work with. I had no experience with working with aluminum until I did my build. There is not a single piece of wood framing in my build. I didn't want to spend the time dealing with rot, and having to replace it some time down the road. With aluminum, rot worries don't exist, plus there is a weight savings compared to wood.
Go with Aluminum.
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