Aluminum keel winch support?

[JohnCTV21]

In the process of replacing my keel winch ('75 Macgregor V21) and the support.

Any down side to replacing it with plate aluminum instead of a 2x6 of some fancy wood that will need to be maintained. We just got a metal supplier locally so I can pick through the stock and get what ever I need.

I will also be using it as the base for my traveler installation. So I need to consider that it will be loaded in 2 directions.

 

[dscribner]

John,

what thickness plate are you thinking? 1/4 inch minimum depending on how much of an opening it has to span. 5052 should do nicely if you can get it.

I replaced my tabenacle with a 6061-T6 aluminum one of my own design. Turns out you can buy similar ones. I sanded, cleaned, sanded, cleaned then clearcoated with automotive clearcoat. Been flawless in the weather for 5 years. The trick is to finish minutes after cleaning with xylene.

 

[JohnCTV21]

1/4 is available, the "plan" is to run it full width of the cockpit, spanning the 27" opening, and resting on the seats, a doubler under the traveler track for a little extra support.

Thanks for the information

 

[Ron20324]

1/4 is available, the "plan" is to run it full width of the cockpit, spanning the 27" opening, and resting on the seats, a doubler under the traveler track for a little extra support....

Maybe a scrap piece of channel iron/ aluminum would be cheaper?

 

[JohnCTV21]

It is the "cut offs" bin, everything flat rate by the pound.

I just replaced the side panels on my rudder because it was cheaper to get new material then try and repair the old stuff.

The cost ends up being cheaper then a 2x6 of mahogany or teak and 0 maintenance is the plus.