A frame cost?

[matata]

I have an A frame that I want copied. Its off the boat at the moment so its easy to measure etc. Rib is 5.5m. How much approx would you think a new Ali frame made for me would be. It is basically two hoops running port to starboard welded together.I appreciate a lot depends on how intricate the job would be but I'm looking for a ball part figure??? Ta Nik

[breezeblock]

I was quoted £500 to make a simple a frame in 316 so opted for the humber one as it was £600 for the proper one I priced the bends off eBay and it was about £150 in materials

[Jerry]

With £150 of eBay material costs, if you can get a TIG welder for £300 then another toy will justify its existence in the garage :-)

[jeffstevens763@g]

Sseascrew £421 40 MM dia twin tube A frames

[Chris Caton]

try marine fabrications, they can make you anything you want in stainless, great guys and excellent work

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[matata]

I fancy it in Ali. Can marine fabrications do Ali work?

[Chris Caton]

not a clue, give them a call, but why ali, by the time you've gone up in wall thickness to get the same strength you won't be saving any weight

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

try marine fabrications, they can make you anything you want in stainless, great guys and excellent work

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+1 for Marine Fabrications.

[matata]

I don't think we need the strength of stainless so Ali make more sense. Other than our frame looking super cool and supports the nav lights and aerial, it doesn't need much strength. What does everyone use their frame for? I'm intrigued! Nic

[beerbelly]

i think that stainless is more widely used because of its ability to withstand corrosion in a salt water environment ally if its not protected by a coat of powder/paint will be eaten away. oh some folk tow ski,ers wakeboards ect from the a frame as well as hang ornaments off it

[Poly]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

i think that stainless is more widely used because of its ability to withstand corrosion in a salt water environment ally if its not protected by a coat of powder/paint will be eaten away. oh some folk tow ski,ers wakeboards ect from the a frame as well as hang ornaments off it

You can make boats and engine parts out of Ally (of the right grade) so I don't think corrosion is necessarily the killer. I though vibration induced fatigue was more of an issue for ally A-frames though? it's also likely that the relative cost makes s/s more attractive (not only raw material but equipment/skill to weld ally).

[beerbelly]

Originally Posted by Poly

You can make boats and engine parts out of Ally (of the right grade) so I don't think corrosion is necessarily the killer. I though vibration induced fatigue was more of an issue for ally A-frames though? it's also likely that the relative cost makes s/s more attractive (not only raw material but equipment/skill to weld ally).

I think if the ally was hard anodised it would last better. as for vibration I was under the impression that stainless would be more likely to fail as it work hardens which would make fractures a possibility hence why stainless generally isn't used in areas prone to vibration .but I may be wrong(I usually are)

[Festinghouse]

ive made two frames myself now, the first was stainless and was always flexible even with plenty of bracing pieces, so was never really happy with it. the one i have now is aluminium (powder coated black) and is as solid as a rock, so much that it feels part of the boat. it carries all the usual electronics, incorporates large cleats for tying alongside, and is fitted with stainless eyes on each side for hanging rope ladders off. as for ease of welding, personally i find aluminium a lot easier than stainless to weld, its just that the equipment costs a lot more to buy