Some of the most expensive parts i needed could be made quite easily, i found, by using common everyday parts from bunnings. Below are some examples and how i went about saving some cash. I dont vouch that they will last 20 years like the real deal, but if i get few years ill be happy, One thing ive learnt from motorbikes and cars is no to throw all your money at something when you are still learning....
Tie Rail:
Whats wrong will stainless steel? It costs heaps and its hard to weld. So i made a nice little tie rail from some 12mm tube i hade lying around. Now this is thick wall tube think its 1.6 or 2mm so it was ideal for welding to some 3mm foot plates i made from 32mm flat bar (again more scrap) and by painting the lot in primer and a matt paint i get nice cheap rail (cost me $10 for paint) that only took a few hours to make. I bent most of it by hand using a round steel drum i have as a jig. Sure its a bit wire-ry in some places but it was very cost effective. I can always replace it later when i get into welding stainless.
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| As seen finished in a mocha color. I hate this choice and am going to re paint it orange soon. |
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| Black cat approves this product or thing |
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| My extra large welding bench at work. Lots of tacks to get it lined up then a hard session of welding to complete. Best to have a helper around to move the rail each time. Also : tell them its hot!!!! |
Roof Racks
Why does my boat have little racks?? Well many reasons: 1. I think they look good lol, 2 . practical storage of life jackets, inflatables and other crap we'll end up buying...and grat handrails for working around and using the boat. They also support my el-cheapo radar-rack style aerial bar. A rear bimini/canopy will aslo mount from this. Again i wanted DIY but lightweight, so a trip to bunnings netted me some 16mm tube $13..$16mm mddle brackets....$1.60 ea and 16mm end brackets ($3.00 pair) . With tese i have made the side rails, Aerial bar and side ladder, total cost for all would be $30 for the side railsand bar and $20 for the new side ladder.Its all joined with self drilling button screws, they will corrode eventually and i can replace them with rivets. Im just too lazy for now..ha!
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| The new ladder |
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| My impression of the many racks and rails |
