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Aluminum Rigging

M

michaelsfabworks

Member
Hi everyone my name is Michael, I am new to the forum and have been trying to research if all Aluminum rigging is good to use. I mean for the motor stand the cage the set mount everything. There is A ton of info on here but i cant really see the major pros and cons of the difference. I know SS would be stronger and less likely to crack but is that really that necessary. You see all types of boats with all kind of aluminum work on them and they take a pretty good beating in rough water and seem to hold up pretty good. Any info and suggestions will be very helpful. If I am asking the same questions that has been answered a thousand times already I am sorry. Thank you in advance for your time and Ill keep trying to research.

Michael
 
I’ve seen two completely aluminum rigged boats and Quite a few others with SS seat platforms and engine stands usually powder coated with all aluminum cages. Your biggest issue is the cyclic fatigue of aluminum. If you are to use aluminum tube (round or square) for the engine stand it will have to be thick wall and you would lose any weight savings you think you might be getting.
 
Steel engine stand, everything else aluminum.

Oh, stainless cage wire too.

As previously stated, alum has literally zero fatigue strength so make sure the structure doesnt flex or it will, not if, fail eventually.

Good luck!
 
Thank you for the reply. So that gives me something to look into. If I use SS what sch pipe should be used? Any aluminum I use will be 1" and 3/4" sch 40. I know 1" sch 40 is .581lb per ft and 3/4" is .391lb per foot so ill figure the weight from that and compare the weight from SS. Thank you for your time.
 
Ran a nasty lil SBC on an aluminum stand built properly for many yrs never had an issue. The modulus of elasticity may prevent cracking unlike SS which will....but seen plenty of both that have passed the test of time. I think its more imp to build a good stand then anything else. But please dont make it out of conduit.
 
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