5454 alloy

[jay kuhn]

hey guys, i am new to the site. i have built some smaller duckboats in 5052 aluminum for myself and friends. looking to go bigger, 16 to 19 range. i know 5086 is choice of alloy for boat construction,but would 5454 be suitable for smaller built boat using 5356 filler? any information would be greatly appreciated. thanks

[welderbob]

5454 aluminum alloy has better mechanical properties than 5052 and it typical used to tank truck bodies. Although it has good corrosion properties,I don't think that its as good as 5086 H116. The H116 process helps prevent crevice crack and inter-granular corrosion. Unless your getting the material for free, spent the money and buy 5086 or 5083. Although 5356 filler wire is acceptable for 5454 alloy, 5556 is has better characteristic for 5454. (it also cost more).The difference in the price of the material is nothing compared to the amount of labor to be wrong.

Welderbob

[jay kuhn]

thanks bob, very helpful information. the reason for asking about the 5454 is my local supplier has 4'x16'x3/16" sheets in stock. to get the 5086, i would need to purchase about 2000 pounds of it.

[welderbob]

Give Yarde Metals in CT a Call
They have 5086 in stock, also have high def plasma. Are you cutting a kit??

[jay kuhn]

thanks bob, i will probably do that. better to use the rite stuff rather than cutting corners. the boat is from a set of plans i purchased from bateau boats. its the duck skiff.