How to form a piece of stainless steel for boat?

[devs]

Hi there I wondered if you could help?

I’m looking for a piece of stainless steel to prevent pull through on the winch point of my boat. However I’m unsure how I could form this to match the contour? Is there anything you could suggest?

Many thanks,

Steve.

 

[baker332]

Does it have to be stainless?

I would cut out that area of fibreglass, use a block of marine ply, then fibreglass over the top and if you wanted to another piece of marine ply to make it stronger.

I understand from your thinking to just bolt a steel plate, the only way to contour would be to hammer/tap into place.

 

[RandomGrinch]

I understand from your thinking to just bolt a steel plate, the only way to contour would be to hammer/tap into place.

Although the OP could take a mould of the area first, and then fabricate the SS off-site to match?

 

[just pumps]

Make up a template and take it or after showing them in photos post it a metal fabicator. Where are you located as I know of 3 fabricators in the East of England.

 

[devs]

Hello guys and thanks for the input. I wanted to use stainless burley for strength and ascetics. My plan was to foam fill then glue / paint the steel in over the top.

What would be the easiest way to take a mould of this? Thank you!

 

[devs]

Thanks - we posted at the same time

I'm unsure how to template this? I'm in Portrush NI unfortunately.

 

[just pumps]

Make up a template and take it or after showing them in photos post it a metal fabicator. Where are you located as I know of 3 fabricators in the East of England.

Thinking on, perhaps the easiest DIY way, would be to sand back, add fibreglass to the infill section a little to bring it out enough to use a flat bit of stainless. Would need a different sized shackle though.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Thanks - we posted at the same time

I'm unsure how to template this? I'm in Portrush NI unfortunately.

As Justpumps says, a template is a good idea - the shape is quite simple, I went OTT suggesting a mould
3 pieces of card could be taped together to get the approximate shape.

 

[devs]

Thanks I did plan to infill, however a flat bit wouldn't work unfortunately due to the curve of the boat. How could I template it? Thanks you!

 

[just pumps]

Thanks - we posted at the same time

I'm unsure how to template this? I'm in Portrush NI unfortunately.

Carboard and gaffa tape template sent in a box to protect in from being squashed flat.

 

[devs]

Nice, thank you. I hadn't considered that! Appreciate the help!

 

[just pumps]

Thanks I did plan to infill, however a flat bit wouldn't work unfortunately due to the curve of the boat. How could I template it? Thanks you!

The flat would be where the nuts are, furthest inside the boat.

 

[devs]

Ah okay I understand. I'll take another look, I feel like I'm a little closer to fixing before it becomes to late. Cheers!

 

[Tigercubrider]

You could template it by covering the hole with tape and using plaster and some sacking to copy the curve.

Then you'd have a copy of the shape that you are trying to match.
I don't know how well it would work, but you could then find a section of tree trunk/railway sleeper and carve a matching hole.
Then batter the crap out of the stainless with a hammer if it is thin enough.

other than that a fabricator could take the plaster cast and use maybe an English wheel to get the curve.
Or someone with a hydraulic press could induce a curve by stacking solid bars either side of where you want to press down.

 

[devs]

Perfect, thanks for the help. Appreciated!