Originally Posted by srm
I'd first check for used beams. thebeachcats.com is a good place to start as mentioned above.

If that doesn't work out, I would either try an internal or external sleeve or source out a blank tube. There is nothing special about "marine aluminum". It is typically 6061-t6 alloy and anodized. Pretty standard stuff. Check out onlinemetals.com.

sm


I just spent some time browsing http://www.onlinemetals.com/ , what a great site! Man, I can use them for all sorts of projects I have in mind coming up (wood fired pizza oven on a trailer anyone?). I cant believe how expensive blank aluminum tubing is! I'd be looking at US$160 per beam for 4" OD, although I thought I measured it at 4.5" the other day, which jumps up to US$195 each. I doub't I will ever take this boat to salt water, so should I even worry about the anodizing aspect?

I'm leaning towards this blank tubing idea though, or a second hand beam, rather than trying to fix the old one. The damage is pretty bad.