Welding vs Fittings for Rails

[goboatingnow]

Ive had boats with both bolt on fittings and obviously weldments.

Personally Id go for welds every time, and I would echo what others have said, if you're a good welder, break a leg,if not all you will do it create a mess. ( a weak mess to boot).

The fittings rant are not as bad as some would make out, but it all depends on the design, the corners can't take much horizontal movement and any movement tends to exacerbate the problem, Often the issue is that the clamping grub screws arnt great. Personally Id drill them out and thru bolt them


dave

[Cheechako]

Welded rails are a lot more secure and less corrosion prone in the long run. Do you have any marine salvage/used parts places around? Some of those places have piles of pulpits etc laying around. They buy what's left when a manufacturer goes out of business. Might find one that you could have easily modified.

[Randyonr3]

I built mine out of 1 & 1/4 inch tubing, using fittings and drilling the fittings and tapping the tubing.. I prefer the fittings for something larger than a couple feet as to it moves and the fittings allow it where welding wont.
My solar is mounted atop a rack atop the bimini.. very clean and a good looking unit..
My dodger is also built of 1&1/4 inch tube.. very strong.. and looks great