Weld or Bolt

Discussion in 'Metal Boat Building' started by Richard & Diane, Aug 29, 2006.

  1. Richard & Diane
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Australia

    Richard & Diane Junior Member

    Hi everyone

    I need to extend bumpers on the rear of a friends steel multihull house boat.
    The bumpers are 1 1/2" NB ( 2" OD ) steel pipe.
    They are welded to the transom.
    Should we seal weld onto exsiting and touch up paint as required or could we clamp them on.
    If we clamp could this cause rust problems in the future.
    Thanks to any advice or input on this thread.

    Regards Richard:?:
     
  2. MikeJohns
    Joined: Aug 2004
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    Location: Australia

    MikeJohns Senior Member

    Richard

    A different question :)

    Unless you want to simply remove them later I would weld. Seal off the internal void completely. Will be more reliable in the long run re- corrosion.

    Hope this helps
     
  3. marshmat
    Joined: Apr 2005
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    Location: Ontario

    marshmat Senior Member

    I'd weld.... clamping steel still leaves a crack that is just big enough for water to get in and awaken the Rust Monster.
     
  4. Richard & Diane
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Australia

    Richard & Diane Junior Member

    Thanks for the info
    We will weld on and leave no crack or crevices
     

  5. Chapman
    Joined: Dec 2005
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    Location: Maine

    Chapman Junior Member

    One piece of advice. If the bumpers you are welding to already are sealed against the hull, I would recommend you drill a couple vent holes in them prior to doing the hot work join. In the event corrosion has occured on the interior of the existing bumpers, you could have a very oxygen rich environment in there that could be dangerous to strike an arc against. When you complete the bumper join, simply plug weld the drill holes, grind flush and paint. Better safe than dead I always say.:)
     
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