Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hi All;

Looking for some experience based feedback on the use of .060 alum for under-skinning. I have a source that has plenty of overage and can make me a screaming deal ( no charge) on the amount I need sheared to size. Has anyone used it and either regretted it or happy w it?. I really don't want to have to cough up what .072 or .080 would cost provided this is adequate. My cross member are on 16" centers, by the way .

Thanks

I believe .060 should be just fine, especially if you can rivet it to all the cross members, which are likely on 16" to 20" centers. It's just acting as a shield, not as a structural member. .060" is stiffer than you think, when it comes to forming it into place without a brake

I'm guessing you are talking about 5052 - H32 ???? Just make sure it's not 6061-T6 or you won't be able to bend it. Other end of the spectrum is 1100-0 which is dead soft, so hope it's not that either.

If you were asking about .040" that might be a different story......

Our boat came with factory under skinning so I don't have personal experience using it under the boat, but I'm very familiar with using Alum in precision Sheet metal fabrication, forming, etc.

Richard

Go for it. If he has a brake, have him make it a little wider than you need and give you a 90 degree bend on the sides to go down the toon skirts.

When I got my new boat, I was surprised how quiet and smooth it is with underskinning.

It seems that most of us on this forum used and recommend 5052 .063 aluminum. It is plenty stiff enough and manageable. I was unable to bend it with a 10' manual brake.

I can get either 5052 or 6061. I may have to trim in the field so to speak . Which one will be the easiest to shear?

Shearing isn't the big concern.... FORMING is..... If you have the choice, get 5052-H32 ....... the "H32" is considered "half hard".

Depending on which 6061 alloy you get, it may, or may not be easy to form. If it's 6061-0 then that would be OK. If it's 6061-T6 you will NOT be able to bend it. Another difficult to form would be 6061-T4.

The softest, least stiff alloy would be 1100-0 which is dead soft.

Street signs typically are 6061-T4, or T6 as they don't want them bending.

You might want to see if the metal dealer will cut it for you. Faster and a lot less work for you. If you plan on making any bends, take it to a shop with proper equipment.