Re: Average price of steel hull repair
It'll depend most likely on how much time is involved rather than square feet.
Per-hour rates for welders vary..in a big city it'd be less I'd think. Probably expect to pay about $35-$40 an hour for an onsite welding job (I'm guessing you're not moving the boat to the welder) plus expenses for material, travel (welders aren't all portable) etc.
If I were you I'd try to find a contract welder or small welding shop to do it. Welding the steel in a roamer hull isn't too difficult, so most MIG or TIG guys can handle it just fine, even with no boat experience. Just make sure the welded seams penetrate fully (you'll have to repaint the inside of the seams too) and make sure when you grind the welds down to smooth them there aren't any bubbles or holes in them and you're good.
I'd avoid someone who only welds with stick. Gas welding with an acetylene torch is ok, but it'll take forever for this, so don't pay by the hour for it.
Specify the TIG process if possible, it'll leave you the least amount of clean-up work. It might be more expensive than the other types, though.
If I were you I'd do all the welding prep to save time for the actual welder, and if possible I'd even tack any replacement pieces in place myself. Welding prep for steel is basically removing paint, cleaning down to shiny metal, then ensuring no oil, dirt, or anything else is on the metal on the day of welding (including rust). I typically grind metal to shiny, then clean with xylene myself, although I pickle important pieces in acid sometimes.
If all the welder has to do is show up, attach the ground clamp, and start making seams, he'll finish faster than doing it all himself and cost a lot less.
Erik
