3mm Thickness 8x4 Aluminum Sheet 5083 For Boat

  • 2026-02-05 17:18:49

Marine builders choose materials that survive salt spray, wave impact, and years of cyclic loading without becoming a maintenance burden. 3mm thickness 8x4 aluminum sheet 5083 is a proven marine-grade plate/sheet option used worldwide for boat hulls, decks, bulkheads, and structural panels. With strong resistance to seawater corrosion and excellent weldability, 5083 is often selected when reliability matters more than cosmetic perfection.

5083 is a non-heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium alloy designed for high performance in aggressive environments. In marine use, its strengths show up in three ways:

  • it resists saltwater corrosion better than many general-purpose alloys
  • it welds well with common marine filler wires
  • it retains good strength after welding compared with some alternatives

An 8x4 sheet format is commonly specified because it suits standard cutting plans, nesting, and shop handling. At 3mm thickness, it is frequently used for skins, internal panels, superstructure parts, and light structural components, depending on design and classification rules.

Features for Boatbuilding

FeatureWhat it means in practiceCustomer benefit
Marine corrosion resistanceMagnesium-rich chemistry forms a stable oxide layer in seawaterLonger service life, reduced pitting risk in marine atmosphere
Excellent weldabilityCompatible with MIG/TIG; widely used with 5183/5356/5556 fillersFast fabrication, dependable joints, repair-friendly
High strength-to-weightStronger than 5xxx general alloys like 5052 in many tempersLighter structures without sacrificing stiffness targets
Good impact toughnessPerforms well under dynamic loading and vibrationBetter durability for hull slamming and offshore conditions
Formability in appropriate temperBending and rolling possible depending on temper and radiusFlexible fabrication for chines, brackets, lockers, partitions
Non-sparking and non-magneticInherent aluminum behaviorUseful in certain marine and defense-adjacent applications

Typical Marine Applications

Boat areaCommon uses of 3mm 5083 sheet
Hull and side plating (light craft)Small craft plating, spray rails, wear strips (design-dependent)
Decking and flat panelsDeck plates, hatches, lockers, covers
SuperstructureCabin sides, roofs, consoles
Internal structureBulkheads, gussets, web plates, partitions
Fabricated componentsTanks (where allowed by design/spec), transom parts, brackets

Material selection should always follow the vessel's scantling rules, design loads, and welding procedure requirements. For critical hull structure, confirm temper, quality standard, and inspection requirements with your yard or surveyor.

Chemical Composition (Typical Limits)

5083 is defined by controlled magnesium and manganese content, supporting marine corrosion resistance and strength. Values below are typical specification limits; exact limits depend on the governing standard.

ElementContent (wt%)
Magnesium (Mg)4.0–4.9
Manganese (Mn)0.4–1.0
Chromium (Cr)0.05–0.25
Silicon (Si)≤0.40
Iron (Fe)≤0.40
Copper (Cu)≤0.10
Zinc (Zn)≤0.25
Titanium (Ti)≤0.15
Others (each)≤0.05
Others (total)≤0.15
Aluminum (Al)Balance

Temper Options and What They Mean

Because 5083 is non-heat-treatable, strength is achieved primarily through work hardening (strain hardening). The right temper depends on whether you prioritize forming, strength, or a balance.

Temper (common)DescriptionTypical boatyard use
O (Annealed)Softest, best formabilityComplex forming, tight bends, rolling
H111Lightly strain hardenedGeneral marine sheet use; good compromise
H116Marine-focused controlled process with improved exfoliation/corrosion resistanceHull plating and marine structures in harsh exposure
H321Stabilized strain-hardened temper, good resistance to sensitization in serviceWelded marine structures needing stable properties

Availability of H116 and H321 may vary by mill and region, but they are frequently requested for marine hull plating because they are optimized for seawater exposure.

Mechanical Properties (Typical)

Actual mechanical properties depend on product thickness, mill practice, and standard. The values below are widely used typical ranges for guidance only.

Property5083-O5083-H1115083-H116 / H321
Ultimate tensile strength (MPa)~275~305~305–340
Yield strength (MPa)~125~145~215–240
Elongation (%)~20~16~10–14
Brinell hardness (HB)~65~75~85–95

For design-critical work, confirm minimums to the governing standard and request mill test certificates.

3mm 8x4 Sheet Technical Specifications

"8x4" typically refers to 8 ft × 4 ft sheet size. In metric supply chains, this is often close to 2440 mm × 1220 mm. Confirm exact cut size and tolerances for CNC nesting.

ParameterTypical value
Alloy5083 (marine grade)
Thickness3.0 mm
Sheet size8 ft × 4 ft (typically 2440 mm × 1220 mm)
SurfaceMill finish (standard); protective film optional
Edge conditionTrimmed/squared; deburred optional
FlatnessCommercial or precision flatness on request
StandardsCommonly ASTM B209 / EN 485 (confirm per order)
DocumentationMill Test Certificate (MTC/COA) available

Reference Weight (Helps with Logistics)

ItemValue
Density of aluminum (approx.)2,700 kg/m³
Sheet area (2440 × 1220)2.9768 m²
Volume at 3.0 mm0.00893 m³
Approx. sheet weight~24.1 kg per sheet

Weight can vary slightly with actual cut size and thickness tolerance.

Corrosion Performance in Marine Service

5083 is widely respected for seawater exposure, especially in H116/H321 tempers. In real boats, corrosion performance is influenced as much by design and workmanship as by alloy choice. Good outcomes typically come from:

  • avoiding crevices that trap stagnant saltwater
  • isolating dissimilar metals to reduce galvanic corrosion
  • using correct weld filler and cleaning practices
  • sealing lap joints and keeping drainage paths open

If the boat will see elevated temperatures for long periods, discuss sensitization considerations and temper selection with your supplier or welding engineer.

Fabrication Notes for Customers

OperationPractical guidance
CuttingSaws, shears, laser/waterjet; keep edges clean before welding
FormingUse appropriate bend radius; O/H111 form easier than H116/H321
WeldingMIG/TIG common; choose marine filler (often 5183/5356/5556) per procedure
FinishingMill finish is common; coating/paint system depends on service and aesthetics
Quality controlVerify thickness, flatness, temper marking, and MTC heat number traceability

Ordering Checklist (Quick Confirmation)

What to specifyWhy it matters
Temper (H111, H116, H321, O)Directly affects strength, forming, and corrosion behavior
Exact size and tolerancesEnsures CNC programs and nesting match delivered sheets
Protective filmReduces handling scratches during fabrication
Certification needsMTC/COA and standard compliance for marine projects
Quantity and packingPrevents transit damage and edge dents
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Lucy

Marine builders choose materials that survive salt spray, wave impact, and years of cyclic loading without becoming a maintenance burden. 3mm thickness 8x4 aluminum sheet 5083 is a proven marine-grade plate/sheet option used worldwide for boat hulls.

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