5000 Series Aluminium Alloy AA5052 Plate For Small Fishing Boat
5052 aluminum alloy is the most widely used rust-proof aluminum.
This alloy has high strength,
especially fatigue resistance: high plasticity and corrosion
resistance, cannot be strengthened
by heat treatment, good plasticity during semi-cold hardening, low
plasticity during cold hardening,
good corrosion resistance, good weldability, poor machinability,
and can be polished.
Typical Thickness
5052 aluminum sheets are widely used in fishing boat construction
with the following thickness
ranges:
• Hull structure: 3mm–6mm (balances strength and weight).
• Deck/bulkheads: 2mm–4mm (lightweight yet rigid).
• Small components (e.g., brackets): 1mm–3mm.
Selection Criteria: Depends on boat size, load capacity, and
corrosion resistance requirements.
Most small-to- medium fishing boats use 3–5mm.
Common Tempers
♦ 5052 is primarily used in H32 and H34 tempers (strain-hardened +
partially annealed) for
marine.
♦ H32: Moderate strength (tensile strength ~230 MPa), ideal for
hull forming due to good formability.
♦ H34: Higher strength (~260 MPa), suitable for load-bearing parts
like decks.
Material Selection Tips
• Small recreational boats: Prioritize 5052-H32, 3–4mm thickness.
• Large/commercial boats: Use 5052-H34 for critical areas (e.g.,
keels) paired with 6061-T6
reinforcements.
• 5052 remains a dominant material for fishing boats, with ongoing
advancements targeting
higher performance and smart production technologies.
Comparison with Alternative Alloys
| Alloy | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| 5052 | Corrosion/weld/cost balance | Lower strength than 6xxx/7xxx | High-volume access panels |
| 6061 | Higher strength (T6) | Requires heat treatment | Structural parts (non-door) |
| 3003 | Lower cost, more ductile | Low strength (dents easily) | Interior trim |
| 7075 | Ultra-high strength | Poor corrosion resistance | Racing/military vehicles |
Performance Advantages
Key benefits of 5052 alloy in fishing boats:
✅ Corrosion resistance: Magnesium (2.2–2.8%) and chromium content
provide excellent saltwater
resistance, often eliminating the need for coatings.
✅ Lightweight: Density (2.68 g/cm³) is 65% lower than steel,
improving fuel efficiency and speed.
✅ Weldability: Compatible with MIG/TIG welding, ensuring strong
joints for hull assembly.
✅ Formability: High elongation (≥12% for H32), enabling complex
curved hull designs.
✅ Cost-Effective :More affordable than high-strength marine alloys like 5083 or 6061,
while
still meeting most performance needs for fishing boats.
