I really don't believe that the electronics are that susceptible, within
reason (don't weld the radar bracket with the receiver sitting on it.) Most
devices are well protected because the environment is naturally nasty; e.g.
bumping the engine starter puts out huge surges and the contact arcing
radiates RF.

Range Tracker, a Victory ship that supported the Bikini hydrogen bomb tests
and other Pacific Missile Range projects was filled with electronics,
designed before hardening was appreciated, and the shipyard crews routinely
cut and welded large hunks of the steel hull without precautions. Yes, some
of the modern TIG welders radiate on a particular frequency, but the classic
"stick" arc welder emulates the spark gap transmitters from the early 1900s
and radiates on all frequencies.

I would keep the electronics "buttoned up;" i.e. cables in place and covers
on. If you do remove them, I'd suggest that the trunk of a car, parked in
the summer sun, would not be a more benign environment.

Roger

http://derbyrm.mystarband.net/default.htm

wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a 16' aluminum boat that I've been using for a while and I want
to customize some things on it, such as rod holders, downrigger mounts,
etc..

My question is do I need to take off all the electronics, including
30hp outboard, from the boat so that the welding doesn't affect/fry any
of the electronics?

My assumption is yes, get everything electronic off the boat.

Also, what alloy of AL should I be using?