On Fri, 17 Jul 2015 18:58:16 -0500, Boating All Out
wrote:

Aluminum welded products will fail at the weld under stress. Welded
aluminum is about 50% weaker than unwelded aluminum. Skill has a lot to
do with it and my info is from a highly skilled welder specializing in
aluminum.

This is commonly handled by designing a heavier weld structure, so it
can't be seen as a disadvantage - unless you just don't like aluminum.
http://www.kastenmarine.com/alumVSsteel.htm

===

Nice analysis of the design trade offs, thanks. The biggest knock on
aluminum in my opinion is susceptibility to corrosion. It can be
managed but it takes vigilance regarding electrical faults, repairs
and debris in the bilge.