Brass vs Bronze fittings

[DJR]

Hi,

I'm considering making my own rudder components for my current kayak builds - a Chesapeake 17 and a racing TK1.

Has anyone used sheet/bar stock of brass or bronze to make fittings for their craft? I understand brass will corrode, so bronze is preferrable (at least in salt water), but I'm unsure about the working properties, and whether a rudder-sized sheet of bronze (say 12" x 3" x .20") would be stiff enough to use.

Although I'm sure the old mahogany race boats often used brass rudders & fittings...


Appreciative of any answers...

Thanks,
Darren

 

[hairymick]

Mate,

Both can be brittle and the expense of it just can't be justified IMHO. (unless you are thinking od building a show boat)

For all practical purposes, 304 or 316 grade Stainless or even aluminium would be a better proposition and much cheaper.

I would build the rudder blade from 3mm aluminium and the mounting/pivot assemblies out of stainless.

 

[tx river rat]

Everything Mick said and for the same strength the brass are bronze would have to be three times as thick.

WEIGHT
Ron

 

[BEARS BUDDY]

They's right as rain. SS or Al are better choices.

 

[DJR]

Thanks Mick & et al,

Appreciate the comments - looks like aluminium or s/steel is the way to go...I just thought brass would look nice, hadn't considered the weight being that much different.

I guess on a 30' mahogany raceboat with a V-12 pushing it, the weight of a small brass rudder is a lot less noticeable than on a 17' paddle-powered kayak!

Regards,
Darren

 

[Kayak Jack]

Maybe brass lacquer will stick to either SS or aluminum?