Thread: Galv steel centreboard

Is Broadford anywhere near Adelaide? That sounds good.

I have just had a stainless steel centreboard made for a boat I am building.

It is not quite as big as the one in your sketch but it is 12mm thick. I did it in stainless for 2 reasons, both of these mentioned by others previously.

1. Stainless is not as expensive as you might think. Sure, mild steel would be cheaper initially but then you have cost of galvanising and the farting about. Mine was $800.

2. Heat from galvanising will bow a flat plate all over the place. Plasma cut stainless stays perfectly flat because the process puts bugger all heat into the parent metal. You can plasma cut mild steel too if you want to, but the galvanisiing will still bow it.

Cheers, Cameron.

Originally Posted by Stustoys

Kev,
That 9/32" hole is just for raising and lowering. It pivots on the 7/8" hole.
Stuart

ARRRRGH missed that . 7/8" sounds much better .

Probably got it wrong here , but I'm sure Ill be put straight about the subject.
I think they only use zinc anodes on steel and aluminium hulls ,not sure if you would need one for a wooden sail boat hull unless there is an engine or some other metal contact with salt water .
I have one on my ally boat and outboard.

Kev.

Hereselmo1 my 2 bobs worth would be to talk to your prospective galvanisers, to get quotes, and to discuss the distortion issues. I have seen plenty of galvanised plate items that didn't display noticeable distortion, so either it didn't happen or it was subsequently fixed. Danielhobby has some good advice in this area, and in a worst case situation, you could probably straighten it using a press and some hardwood strips to protect the zinc layer. Also Steran50 suggested metal recyclers, or local scrap dealers, or as Dave has said, if you ask around the fabricators, you may strike it lucky for an offcut, if you try the stainless (or Aluminium) route. The scrap dealers around here will take your details and requirements, and call you when they get suitable material, perhaps the dealers local to you will too. The yellow pages will be your friend.
Good Luck and keep us posted,
Rob

Originally Posted by hereselmo1

Is Broadford anywhere near Adelaide? That sounds good.

no,sorry,its one and a half hours north of melbourne.my laser cutters are laser plus in melbourne.no affiliation,just happy with their work.