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Square tube aluminum load ratings
Good morning,
I am building a catamaran dolly, using square tube aluminum T6061. The weight of the catamaran will be distributed on four points, indicated by the shaded tubes at the end of the cross-bars in the attached diagram. The catamaran weighs around 400 lbs, and has a beam of 7'8" between the hulls.
I'm not sure how to calculate this, but my questions are these:
1) What is the minimum size of square tube I can use to support the load of the catamaran, given the attached diagram. The gauge of aluminum tube I have to work with can be either 0.12, 0.188 or 0.25". The size of square tube aluminum is either 1", 1.25", 1.5" or 2".
2) The axle diameter in the wheel rims is 3/4". Can I use a solid aluminum 3/4" bar as an axle, or would I have to go steel? I don't think 3/4" aluminum tube would be strong enough. Rim diameter is 8".
3) Given that the dolly will be in and out of the water, I need to think about metal corrosion, especially since I plan to bolt the frame together. Must I use aluminum plates, bolts and nuts to bolt together, or can I use stainless steel, perhaps with plastic washers?
4) What would be the best way to mount the axles to the supports? I do not have access to an aluminum welder.
thanks in advance!
Cameron
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