Hi Steve, What do you use for deck fills on an aluminum deck? Are the Marelon fills a good choice, or aluminum (Wilcox-Crittenden) welded on? Could I just weld in pipe with threaded ends and put a cap on the outside (keeps the opening off the deck)? Also, would you let bails for halyard/reef blocks through the deck and weld top and bottom, or do you think there’s enough strength in a fillet weld to hold it on the deck? Best, Alex
Several answers: First, we usually do not weld deck fills as there is a chance they will distort – unless you can find some very beefy ones, which will stay round. The capped, threaded pipe idea is the best, in terms of eliminating leak potential, getting the cap off the deck where it is less vulnerable to water ingress, etc. Only issue is if it is in the way of running rigging, toes, etc.
As far as running rigging blocks, and how they are welding, this is a function of the amount of load, load path, and deck thickness. Generally, using 4mm plate, we weld on top only, but we gusset to make sure no bending can occur of the load path is other than in line with the tang. Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
