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sailorboy1 · 08-07-2010, 14:46

Aluminium is of course strong enough. After all want are modern masts and boom made of. As far as corrosion from the bolts; you have to coat them properly.

**Jim Cate** · 08-07-2010, 14:58

G'Day all,

As far as the aesthetics go, a friend had his alloy arch powdercoated in black and it really looks sharp... and cheaper than polishing stainless. Don't know how long it will last in the tropics, though...

Cheers,

Jim

darkaegisagain · 26-04-2011, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAELESTIS

You may consider a large diameter aluminum tube (3.5in in the photo). I plan on building a similar design with 4.5in tube. Larger tubes eliminate much of the webbing and welding costs, while adding strength.

May I ask where you had that work done? I live in the Seattle area.

CAELESTIS · 26-04-2011, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkaegisagain

May I ask where you had that work done? I live in the Seattle area.

I sent you a PM.

MoonlightSailor · 26-04-2011, 14:56

Construction is finally done and we hoisted it over with the main halyard yesterday. It sure is a beast and tall but we wanted to be able to walk under it. The true test will be when it's put to the test after install and knocking around the coast. Backing plates are 6" x 12" and will have G10 tubing installed in the fiberglass/balsa deck to act as compression fittings.

We constructed it of 304 stainless 2" pipe. Considered having it powder coated but opted with awlgrip and it was painted by RW Little in San Diego for $670 (delivery included). We have unwrapped it and I'll post a pic after it's bolted to the deck and the solar panels are installed.