Aluminum Sheet Strength Equal to Plywood - CR4 Discussion Thread

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Wwwheaty Active Contributor Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 17	Aluminum Sheet Strength Equal to Plywood 01/28/2013 5:26 AM
	Looking for help specifying the thickness and grade aluminum sheet that is equal to 3/4" plywood for redecking my pontoon boat. The existing strut members are 24" oc The aluminum would be carpeted. Thanks in advance!
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PWSlack Guru Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing, in the nation formerly known as Great Britain. Kettle's on. Posts: 32175 Good Answers: 839	#1 Re: Aluminum Sheet Strenght Equal to Plywood 01/28/2013 5:42 AM
	It would be easier to use inverted flat-U section, and somewhat lower value than solid sheet. __________________ "Did you get my e-mail?" - "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place" - George Bernard Shaw, 1856
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ozzb Guru Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rosedale, Maryland USA Posts: 5197 Good Answers: 266	#2 Re: Aluminum Sheet Strenght Equal to Plywood 01/28/2013 7:27 AM
	As a safety concern that may not be the way to go. The wood your replacing maybe part of the boats positive floatation in the chance there was accident. Replacing the wood with aluminum may tip this balance. If in an accident that both the pontoon floatation was compromised. The boat still would not sink. Gives you something to hold to until help arrives. __________________ Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty, pristine body but rather to come sliding in sideways, all used up and exclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!"
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kramarat Guru Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC USA Posts: 13529 Good Answers: 468	#3 Re: Aluminum Sheet Strenght Equal to Plywood 01/28/2013 8:04 AM
	I've found that repeating a question doesn't lead to better answers. Maybe make a phone call to some aluminum sheet manufacturers. http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/82960#newcomments __________________ Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. Ben Franklin
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Ried Guru Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1602 Good Answers: 19	#4 Re: Aluminum Sheet Strength Equal to Plywood 01/28/2013 9:21 AM
	Too many unknowns for anyone to give a reasonable recommendation. Not all 3/4" plywoods are equal. Softwood or hardwood? Indoor, outdoor, or marine grade? How much deflection can you and your crew tolerate when they walk across your deck? Why do you want to change from plywood to aluminum? I would think plywood would be easier as a DIY renovation project. __________________ Eventually, one needs to realize that it is far less important to be the smartest person in the room than it is to sit next to that person and make friends.
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Users who posted comments:

kramarat (1); ozzb (1); PWSlack (1); Ried (1)

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