aluminum costs

[regal]

We do a lot of metal work/welding at work (just steel), the steel prices have gone way up. I am trying to make a rough estimate on the aluminum cost for a 25ft skiff which would weigh around 2000lbs. I have heard estimate anywhere from 3 to $7/pound for marine 5052 or 5086 aluminum?

[Arrowmarine]

WOW!!!!
I cant say for Pennsylvania, but currently, here in Oregon, the regular guy off the street will pay around $1.40 for 5052- H32 prime sheet and around $1.75 for simple extrusions-- $2.00 for complex extrusions. My former employer, who bought hundreds of thousands of pounds a year, was down to about a buck and a quarter. I dont think in the last 18 yrs that i've been building aluminum boats, have I ever seen it over $2.00. The kind of prices you are talking about would put me out of business :0
A quick call to you're nearest distributor should verify the current rate. Over here, 5086 is only a few cents more per pound.
Very interesting stuff. That may explain the low production of aluminum boats and welders as you move east. I would be curious to know if you find out these prices are currrent in your area.

Late, Joey

[Accurate Towers]

Down here in fla our pipe has risen over 30% in the last year, i don't buy pipe buy the pound. but the per pound cost has driven my cost per length.
through the roof. Its all the alum being sold to china and other industrialized nations thats driven our domestic cost out of sight.

[cyclops]

Half truth. Buy it back from the Chinese at a lower price than local?