Best rod for overhead welding?

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I'm getting ready to cut out, and replace some thin plate on my steel houseboat. The thickness is about 3/16". I have a Miller Passport, or I can stick weld. If I decide to stick weld what is the best rod to use, 6011, 6013? The steel I replace with will be new pickeled and oiled. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. I will weld both sides of all joints.
Reply:6011 would be the best choice.  It's a fast freeze rod with virtually no slag.Any rod that produces slag is a PITA overhead.  Stuff has a tendancy to drip down on your noggin' "Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Thanks Sam for the quick reply. I was gonna do fit-up with .125 gap. Is that too wide?
Reply:Originally Posted by tpierceThanks Sam for the quick reply. I was gonna do fit-up with .125 gap. Is that too wide?
Reply:There all pretty much good for over head. I'd stay away from 7024, you'd have to have your ducks in a row to run 7024 overhead. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I would overlap the hole 1/8 all the wat around and weld both sides.   Less possibility of a leak and stronger repair.  Just me though.I'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:If the patch is in a place that would allow you to use 3/16"x1" backer strips you could do all the welding from the top and still have 100% penetration.  Barring that I would use a tight 3/32" gap all around, weld the top first with 3/32" 7018, back grind the bottom if necessary and weld with the same.7024 is not designed for overhead welding.Only you know your capabilities.  Something to keep in mind."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:I would overlap any opening you have by atleast an inch and radius the corners on the patches.  I don't know how skilled you are but with stick there is a less chance of leaks at the starts and stops.  With stick I would use 7018 3/32" and after welding let it cool then spray a little diesel on the backside and check for leaks after four hours.Second option for full pen weld would to have a small gap may 1/16" and do  a seal weld with 6010 on one side all the way around and then go to the other side and grind a groove till you get 3/4 of the way through.  Weld up the groove with 7018 then go back to the other side and repeat.  Test weld with diesel and see what happens.