Hi Peter, I did a very similar job from 1"-ss-tubing and fittings for my 33 ft sailboat. I just designed a bimini which can carry a solar panel 62" x 42" that delivers 325 watts and is pretty heavy. It's still work in progress, but to secure the fittings, I just drill a 5 mm hole thru the fitting and tubing and set a 5 mm-ss-rivet. Easy peasy. No tread cutting, no countersunk, which is not too much fun to do in stainless steel anyway. Rivets are giving great stability too. I hope you enjoy a cold beer in the meantime. That's my goal too. Cheers
Rivets! Brilliant! I haven't worked much with rivets for some reason, so the idea never occurred to me. I assume that they can easily be drilled out if you ever need to disassemble. --Peter
This is absolutely beautiful! I have the same reservations as you about the atlantic towers offerings, so I may attempt a similar project soon. Your rough guide and parts proposals are greatly appreciated~
I've a boat that needs stanchions and lifelines. I've been thinking about making it out of SS tubing - and I'm seriously considering learning how to weld.
Nice to see you back hard at work as well. Looking forward to seeing some good progress this summer. I know what you mean about not liking to work in cold weather. I don't like it either. --Peter
I have an old estimate that the fittings needed would add up to about $600, so the total cost was probably in the $1000 ballpark. I'm no engineer, but I seriously doubt that PVC is up to the task. --Peter
I know this is old, but just in case anyone is reading this - keep in mind that most PVC is intended for plumbing work, and has no resistance to UV. Left in the sun all day it will quickly become dangerously brittle.
I got the tubing and a couple of fittings from Defender (defender.com). The bulk of the fittings came from McMaster-Carr (mcmaster.com). To find the fittings go to: Tubing > Structural Framing and Fittings > Stainless Steel Slip-on Framing and Fittings. --Peter
Hi Peter, that’s quite impressive! What material are you using for the spacers? It looks like some kind of plastic or nylon but I didn’t catch what it was.
I assume you're asking about the shims and spacer block used where the aft vertical railings attach to the stern of the boat. Yes, they're plastic. Specifically, they are made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) sold under the brand name 'Starboard'. You can get it from McMaster-Carr, of course. --Peter
Hi Peter, I did a very similar job from 1"-ss-tubing and fittings for my 33 ft sailboat. I just designed a bimini which can carry a solar panel 62" x 42" that delivers 325 watts and is pretty heavy. It's still work in progress, but to secure the fittings, I just drill a 5 mm hole thru the fitting and tubing and set a 5 mm-ss-rivet. Easy peasy. No tread cutting, no countersunk, which is not too much fun to do in stainless steel anyway. Rivets are giving great stability too. I hope you enjoy a cold beer in the meantime. That's my goal too. Cheers
Rivets! Brilliant! I haven't worked much with rivets for some reason, so the idea never occurred to me. I assume that they can easily be drilled out if you ever need to disassemble. --Peter
Nice video Peter
This is absolutely beautiful! I have the same reservations as you about the atlantic towers offerings, so I may attempt a similar project soon. Your rough guide and parts proposals are greatly appreciated~
I've a boat that needs stanchions and lifelines. I've been thinking about making it out of SS tubing - and I'm seriously considering learning how to weld.
Peter, nice to see you back, with a great project...cheers!
Nice to see you back hard at work as well. Looking forward to seeing some good progress this summer. I know what you mean about not liking to work in cold weather. I don't like it either. --Peter
Great design well thought bravo sir
What type of tubing did you used. I’m new to all this boating sailing.
I used 1" O.D. stainless steel tubing which I bought from Defender because their store is only about a one hour drive.
@@svsilverheels7185 thank you much.
Aloha .. Epic rig . So im on a non existent budget. Solar has to go up. I have a small 26ft. You reckon i could build this out of PVC piping ?Cheers
How much did this cost , Do you have a BUY list of what you used by any chance. Aloha
I have an old estimate that the fittings needed would add up to about $600, so the total cost was probably in the $1000 ballpark. I'm no engineer, but I seriously doubt that PVC is up to the task. --Peter
I know this is old, but just in case anyone is reading this - keep in mind that most PVC is intended for plumbing work, and has no resistance to UV.
Left in the sun all day it will quickly become dangerously brittle.
Hi Peter,
Where do you buy all your materials, especially the fittings? Thanks
I got the tubing and a couple of fittings from Defender (defender.com). The bulk of the fittings came from McMaster-Carr (mcmaster.com). To find the fittings go to: Tubing > Structural Framing and Fittings > Stainless Steel Slip-on Framing and Fittings. --Peter
Hi Peter, that’s quite impressive!
What material are you using for the spacers? It looks like some kind of plastic or nylon but I didn’t catch what it was.
I assume you're asking about the shims and spacer block used where the aft vertical railings attach to the stern of the boat. Yes, they're plastic. Specifically, they are made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) sold under the brand name 'Starboard'. You can get it from McMaster-Carr, of course. --Peter
s/v Silverheels Yes, that’s it! I thought I heard you say “starboard” but I was confused. Thanks!