# Marine and aluminum metal fabrication: standards and how to choose | Best Fabricators

Source: https://bestfabricators.com/industries/marine/

# Marine and aluminum fabrication

Marine fabrication builds boat parts, towers, rails, docks, and port equipment that live in salt air and water.

## Materials and processes

Marine aluminum alloys such as 5052, 5083, and 6061, and 316 stainless steel. Galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals is a constant design concern.

## Standards and certifications to know

- AWS D1.2: the structural welding code for aluminum.
- ABS class rules: the American Bureau of Shipping publishes rules for classed vessels and offshore structures.
- U.S. Coast Guard requirements: apply to many commercial vessels and their equipment.

## Questions to ask a shop

- Does the shop weld aluminum daily, with welders qualified to AWS D1.2?
- How does it isolate dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic corrosion?
- Has it worked to ABS or Coast Guard requirements?
- Can it work on-site at a marina, yard, or terminal?

## What drives cost

Aluminum welding skill, access to the vessel, corrosion protection, and class or inspection paperwork drive cost.

## Metros with strong local demand

- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Baltimore, MD](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/baltimore-md/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Cincinnati, OH](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/cincinnati-oh/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Cleveland, OH](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/cleveland-oh/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Detroit, MI](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/detroit-mi/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Green Bay, WI](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/green-bay-wi/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Houston, TX](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/houston-tx/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Jacksonville, FL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/jacksonville-fl/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Los Angeles, CA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/los-angeles-ca/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Miami, FL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/miami-fl/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Boston, MA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/boston-ma/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in New Orleans, LA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/new-orleans-la/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Philadelphia, PA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/philadelphia-pa/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Pittsburgh, PA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/pittsburgh-pa/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Seattle, WA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/seattle-wa/)
- [Marine and aluminum fabrication in Tampa, FL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/tampa-fl/)

## Questions

### What should I look for in a marine and aluminum fabricator?

Relevant certifications, finished work similar to yours, the right equipment, and clear documentation. Start with: Does the shop weld aluminum daily, with welders qualified to AWS D1.2?

### Where is marine and aluminum fabrication concentrated?

On this site, these metros have strong local demand: Baltimore, MD, Cincinnati, OH, Cleveland, OH, Detroit, MI, Green Bay, WI, Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, Boston, MA, New Orleans, LA, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Seattle, WA, Tampa, FL.

Related: [Fabrication certifications explained](https://bestfabricators.com/guides/certifications/) · [Fabrication processes](https://bestfabricators.com/guides/metal-fabrication-processes/)

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