SNAPPED WELD

Q:

Hi Doc. My boat’s aluminum top frame cracked at a weld while running home in rough seas. It’s an older boat and top, and this happened last fall. Anyway, I called a welder who told me he’d be glad to fix it, but he’d prefer I had the boat hauled to his shop because he says he can’t weld aluminum outside. Is there any reason he cannot weld aluminum outside on my property where the boat is stored? I do not have a trailer and would prefer not to have to pay my boat hauler for an extra trip before I launch this spring.

Donald Falkirk Portland, Maine

A:

It’s not that aluminum cannot be welded outside—it’s just challenging. I am not a welder myself, but have been hiring them for boat work for many years. Aluminum welding is tricky, and any bit of wind can blow the flame away from the tip. Welders can erect tents or windbreaks, wait for calm mornings, etc., but none offers the same guarantee as performing the work inside.

So, your welder is right, though he might not have communicated it clearly.