aluminum alloy center board

[CK 17]

The plans for my NIS 23 call for a aluminum alloy c/b. Arn't there many alloy's? Is there a best one for Salt water use?

Joe Schena

[mmd]

Alloy 5052, 5083, or 5086, temper H112. Let cost be your guide between these alloys. No need for the higher tempers.

[CK 17]

Thanks

Joe Schena

[Aramas]

When I was a kid a lot of boats had duralumin centreplates - really heavy and durable. Don't see it around much these days. Most of the cool marine alloys are not only light, but also expensive and soft. Aircraft alloy should be avoided since it has a lot of copper in it (makes it stiffer), so it does tend to self destruct around salt ( you should see my father's cessna).