Alum on a boat 6063?

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i got to make some stuff to go on a boat that will be working on salt water.it is an aluminum culling board and "A" frame for a scollop boat.I was going to use 6063 as it is all going to be above the water line.Now i'm looking for opinions to back up my idea or bomb it out!should i go with 5xxx?  is it worth the extra??G
Reply:Even though 6063 has less magnesium than 6061, its still not the best for saltwater. I personally would go with a 5052, its the most common alloy in marine hardware.
Reply:You'll be fine with it. Most boat tower tubing is 6063, t65.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloYou'll be fine with it. Most boat tower tubing is 6063, t65.
Reply:Since it probably wont be anodized or powder coated, I would suggest the 5052 or 5083/5086 alloys.  Do it right once and you wont have to pay to do it again.
Reply:mmm... feeling a bit dumb right now as i was meaning 6061!dont ask...as im not sure why i said 6063.(lets just call it a senior moment)i dont suppose that changes the answers that much...does it?I am realitivly new to all this four digit terminolagy (just in case you havnt figgured that out)and i wasnt thinking of any sort of coating/ treatmentLast edited by gordfraser; 07-14-2009 at 12:03 AM.G
Reply:Originally Posted by gordfrasermmm... feeling a bit dumb right now as i was meaning 6061!dont ask...as im not sure why i said 6063.(lets just call it a senior moment)i dont suppose that changes the answers that much...does it?I am realitivly new to all this four digit terminolagy (just in case you havnt figgured that out)and i wasnt thinking of any sort of coating/ treatment
Reply:thanks for the patients and answers.i' m pricing the job in 5xxx at the moment to see what the diference is, then i can let the customer decide.i looked it up and i notice that a lot of alum masts are made of 6061, but they never said if there was a finish in them. probable had a finish id say.if it were my boat id go with 6061i was only wrong once before........ (for 10 years) G
Reply:its been my experience that 5053 and 5056 are the most used. 6061 is used primarily on extruded or machined aluminum parts. Not that it cant be welded, but it will take more power to do it. You will be fine with the 5xxx series.
Reply:thanks for the respoces, and the patience5086 in sheets were only a little more expencive than 6061 (id guess at 5%)but the pipe was 3.5 times more.So i got the 5086 sheet and all the rest in 6061time will tell.G
Reply:WHughesCould you be so kind as to fill me in on the specs for 5053 and 5056.  I haven't been able to find them in my references.They may be the "most used" in your area, but they're sure not in mine.  What filler is recommended for these two grades of aluminum.I see a 5052, for which 4043 filler is recommended and a 5086 for which a 5356 filler is recommended, but nothing for the two grades you use the most.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:sorry, I meant 5086, not 5056. We have always used 5356 filler. The 4043 is very soft. Not sure how much difference because I have never used it. It just didnt fit our application.We used 5086 for boat bottoms, and 5056 for most everything else that required bending. Reason being the 5086 will not bend 90 degrees (in a press brake) very easily without cracking or breaking.
Reply:so welding 6061 to 5086...which rod???Not going to anodise.Last edited by gordfraser; 07-16-2009 at 09:48 PM.G
Reply:Gord,I'd use 5356, even though you're not going to anodize.  I tend to use a lot more 5356 than I do 4043.  The only problem I've heard with 5356 is when it's subjected to continuous higher temp (over 165 deg).BTW:  Miller (Tig Handbook) also recommends 5356 for those two alloys.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.