AluminumAlloyBoats.com

I have a local welder lined up to add some grab rails to my rig. He's more into bikes then boats and has never welded 5086. He wants to confirm the best rod material to use.

Also, anyone know what alloy is used for the console on a Pacific V2025, and if the same filler wire would be used. The console alloy seems different then the hull.

Is there any reason I should not use a welder that has not worked specifically with 5086 before?

Thanks!

Eric

I typically see 5356 electrode used on the mission critical type work and 4043 on the above waterline projects, tig or mig. The 5356 is tougher and more corrosion resistant but it requires more skill and optimum machine settings to achieve desired results. For deck mods 4043 is fine IMO regardless of the plate type used to build the boat (5086, 5052, etc.). Opinions will vary but those are mine as provided by an amateur in the field.

Eric,
All the mods I have done on my Pacific I have used 5356 mostly tig welding. The 4043 is earier to work with but is less corrosion resistant and a little softer.

Thanks guys, I'll post some pics once she's done.

Don't let someone weld 5000 series aluminum (5052,5086,5083)with 4043 filler rod, its just wrong. I can't speak for Pacific skiff but the console is probably 5052 ( Its easier to bend) If they have the skills to TIG weld they should be able to weld with 5356 wire. If they can't find another welder.
Bob

I just learned something too.......if I knew what it all meant.
But incase I ever get some add-ons, I'll know to ask then come back here to confirm.

I only fish....never welded aluminum. :roll:

How large of a hole can you fill in .190 before you need a backing plate?

kind of depends on what your trying to do. You can fill a 1/2" bolt hole with a mig gun. If the hole if from corrosion you are better off drilling out a bigger hole with a hole saw and weld in a plug. You can fill pretty good size hole with a Tig.

Bob

What ar you welding the GRAB RAILS to ?
The CC or a extrusion around the gunwales ?