where can i buy aluminum ribs??

[bob johnson]

I want to replace some ribs in my 1969 alumacraft runabout-utility boat....

many of the ribs are cracked and dont offer any support..before i weld in a floor to try and strengthen the hull, i removed a bench seat and now want to replace some riveted ribs.

its a real nice boat , and Id hate to drag it to the junk man for scrap aluminum...

bob

 

[ironshaper]

Re: where can i buy aluminum ribs??

Did you ever find replacement ribs for your boat?

 

[bob johnson]

Re: where can i buy aluminum ribs??

no, never did

bob

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: where can i buy aluminum ribs??

Have you considered aluminum channel to be welded onto/over the old ribs? I have a local metal supplier I use and he has a nice selection of aluminum channel. I have found the local guy to be much cheaper then home depot or tractor supply for metal pieces.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: where can i buy aluminum ribs??

on that note, you can buy aluminum on the internet cheaper than home depot or tractor supply

 

[bob johnson]

Re: where can i buy aluminum ribs??

yes.....if i had bought a welder like i was going to, i would have gone that route....but all the welder gurus just kept telling me I needed a 3000 or better machine..yada yada yada....or i was waisting my time....but i didnt want to spend $3K on a welder...so i didnt buy anything...

the boat wouldnt be worth the investment of paying someone to weld the ribs and buy the aluminum..

i welded the ribs in places a few years ago with the welder at work, but it is harder now to drag it outside...

i have added new rivets and some aluminum strips in places... I have repaired the seat which adds a lot of strength, and i ll just go with that, as i am just selling the boat not keeping it...

i sealed the inside with a glove it type coating

bob