Marine Grade Aluminum versus Stainless Steel

H

Hayesie Daze

Member
Looking for some expert advice on having a radar arch fabricated locally. I know that stainless is 5 times stronger than aluminum, but does that really matter for a radar arch which will never (hopefully) have its tensile strength tested? The majority of the recreational boats up here in Southeast AK are aluminum, have all aluminum railings and radar arches, including commercial boats that see a lot worse weather and underway time than I would. Naturally aluminum is half the price and doesn't match my bow rails but I can live with that if the are both effective solutions to mounting a radar while accommodating an inflatable Thanks any input would help and be much appreciated.

Byron
 
Hayesie Daze-

Sounds like the really big difference is cosmetic, since that part of the boat doesn't have the loads on it that the lower rails do.

The long-run difference may show up more when you want to sell the boat and some folks may not like the aluminum, and may not want the boat because of the appearance, despite the relatively small overall difference in price of the radar tower compared to the overall boat's value.

Questions:

1.) Do they anodize, paint, or leave alone to oxidize, the aluminum structures?

2.) Do they use larger diameter aluminum tubes to get the equivalent strength of stainless steel, and at that point, are the savings still 50%?

3. What's the actual final dollar difference between an aluminum and a stainless steel radar tower? $100, $250, $500, $1000, etc?

4. Is the cost differential worth the uncertainty of the outcome of the final value/resaleability of the boat?

Good Luck!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Thanks Joe, those questions put it in perspective for us. They do use thicker aluminum but it would remain unpainted. They told me that all that would happen is that the aluminum would turn darker over time. As you stated though, anyone interested in the boat later on would definitely want stainless steel for an arch, and with a $450 difference I would be crazy.

Thanks for the reality check.

Byron
 
Mike,

I actually purchased a radar mount (powder coated marine aluminum w/ integrated searchlight mount) but unfortunately its not going to work with an inflatable on the roof. The are a great option but there just isn't enough room on the cabin top. Thanks

Byron
 
Strength is not an issue--as long as the material is of adequate thickness. I would favor aluminum, but my radar arches are made of PVC pipe and Starboard. They hold up very well to driving down the highway at 65 mph---which is far more of a test than you will have on the water. The PVC pipe is a fraction of the "strength" of either metal.

You are supporting only a few pounds. Get what you are happy with. But having SS would not be a plus for me. Aluminum can always be painted to match the boat if cosmetics are an issue.

Incidetnly I am moored next to a 10 year old "Eagle Craft" aluminum boat currently. He has a raw aluminum Radar support and it looks great!
The Eagle Craft is definately a high end boat.
 
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