5083 5086 H116 Marine Aluminum Plate Sheet For Boat

  • 2026-03-10 18:09:48

Marine structures live in a world of salt spray, constant wet-dry cycles, vibration, and localized impacts. A "good" metal in a warehouse can fail quickly on a hull or deck if it can't resist corrosion and keep its strength after welding. 5083 and 5086 aluminum in H116 temper are widely selected for boat plate and sheet because they combine excellent seawater corrosion resistance, high strength among non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys, and reliable weldability for real-world fabrication.

5083 / 5086 H116 Marine Aluminum Plate & Sheet are Al-Mg (5xxx series) alloys supplied in the H116 temper, a condition developed for marine service to help ensure resistance to exfoliation and stress corrosion cracking in corrosive environments. These plates and sheets are commonly used in hulls, decks, bulkheads, superstructures, ramps, and fuel/water tanks where durability and corrosion resistance are critical.

Features (Customer-Focused)

FeatureWhat it means for your boat
Excellent seawater corrosion resistanceLong service life in saltwater, reduced pitting/exfoliation risk on properly fabricated structures
High strength-to-weight ratioLighter structure than steel with strong panel performance; enables payload and speed efficiency
Strong weldabilityStable performance in MIG/TIG fabrication; commonly welded with marine filler wires
H116 temper for marine plateDesigned for marine exposure; often specified when corrosion performance is a priority
Good formability (sheet)Suitable for curved hull sections, cladding, and formed components within recommended radii
Low temperature toughnessMaintains toughness in cold marine climates and refrigerated service

Typical Marine Applications

Area on vesselTypical use cases
Hull and side shellBottom plating, side plating, chine and strake panels
Decks and superstructuresDeck plate, cabin panels, walkways, stiffened panels
Internal structureBulkheads, floors, longitudinal stiffeners, brackets
Ramps and landing craftBow ramps, wear plates (often with additional abrasion solutions)
Tanks and compartmentsFresh/grey water tanks, ballast components (design-dependent)
Offshore and coastal equipmentGangways, pontoons, service platforms, marine frames

Alloy Selection: 5083 vs 5086 for Boat Plate

Item5083 H1165086 H116
General positioningHigher-strength marine workhorseSlightly lower strength, excellent corrosion resistance and formability balance
Typical choiceHull plating, structural panels, high-load areasHull/deck plating, formed components, general marine fabrication
Corrosion behavior in seawaterExcellentExcellent
WeldabilityExcellentExcellent

Both alloys are proven in marine service; selection often depends on class/spec requirement, thickness, availability, and the fabricator's forming/welding plan.

Temper Condition: What "H116" Means in Practice

H116 is a strain-hardened and stabilized temper intended for marine plate and sheet. In practical boatbuilding terms, it is specified to support:

Performance topicWhy H116 is used
Corrosion reliabilityImproved resistance to exfoliation-type corrosion in marine exposure versus general-purpose tempers
Consistency for certificationMany marine and shipbuilding supply chains prefer H116 for traceability and standard compliance
Fabrication fitCompatible with common cutting, forming, and welding methods used in yards

For welded structures, remember that weld zones in 5xxx alloys soften compared to the parent plate. Good joint design and appropriate thickness selection are essential for maintaining required strength.

Chemical Composition (Typical, wt.%)

Values below are typical composition limits used for commercial supply of these alloys (exact limits vary by ASTM/EN product standard and mill practice).

AlloyMgMnCrSiFeCuZnTiAl
50834.0–4.90.4–1.00.05–0.25≤0.40≤0.40≤0.10≤0.25≤0.15Balance
50863.5–4.50.2–0.70.05–0.25≤0.40≤0.50≤0.10≤0.25≤0.15Balance

Why it matters: Magnesium provides the main strength mechanism in 5xxx alloys and supports strong corrosion performance in marine environments when properly processed and fabricated.

Mechanical Properties (Typical Room Temperature)

Mechanical values depend on thickness, standard, and producer. The table below reflects commonly referenced typical ranges for marine plate/sheet in H116.

Alloy / TemperTensile Strength (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa)Elongation (%)
5083 H116305–360215–27510–16
5086 H116275–330200–26010–18

Design note: Welded joint efficiency is lower than parent metal. For critical hull structures, designers often base allowable stresses on welded properties and classification society rules.

Product Forms, Dimensions, and Tolerances (Supply Guide)

ParameterTypical supply
Product typePlate, sheet, cut-to-size panels
Thickness rangeSheet: ~1.5–6 mm; Plate: ~6–80 mm (availability varies by mill)
WidthCommonly up to 2000–2500 mm (larger widths possible by request)
LengthCommonly up to 6000–12000 mm; custom cutting available
SurfaceMill finish; optional PVC film; optional brushed finish for interiors
FlatnessControlled to product standard; improved flatness available for CNC nesting
Standards (typical)ASTM B928 (marine plate), ASTM B209 (sheet/plate), EN 485 / EN 573 (EU), other regional equivalents

If your project is classed or audited, specify required standard, inspection documents, and marking requirements at order time.

Corrosion Performance in Marine Service

5083/5086 H116 are chosen because they deliver strong resistance to general corrosion in seawater and are commonly specified where exfoliation resistance is important. Real-world corrosion performance also depends on fabrication details:

FactorPractical recommendation
Dissimilar metal contactIsolate aluminum from stainless/steel with gaskets, coatings, or proper fastener systems
Water traps and crevicesAvoid tight crevices; design for drainage and airflow
Surface preparationUse proper cleaning before painting/sealing; remove contaminants and shop oils
CoatingsUse marine-grade coating systems where abrasion or appearance demands it
Sacrificial protectionConsider anodes where galvanic exposure is expected (design-dependent)

Fabrication and Welding Notes

TopicGuidance for boatbuilders
CuttingCNC plasma/waterjet/router are common; maintain clean edges for welding
FormingUse appropriate bend radii; thicker plate needs larger radii to prevent cracking
Welding processMIG and TIG are widely used; control heat input for distortion management
Filler selectionCommon marine fillers include 5356 or 5183 (final choice depends on code, strength target, and service temperature)
Distortion controlUse balanced welding sequences, fixturing, and intermittent weld strategies where allowed

For high-quality marine welds, cleanliness is non-negotiable: remove oxide, moisture, and hydrocarbons from weld zones immediately before welding.

Quality Control and Documentation (What to Ask For)

ItemCustomer value
Mill Test Certificate (MTC)Confirms chemical/mechanical compliance and traceability
Ultrasonic testing (plate)Helps verify internal soundness for critical structures
Exfoliation/corrosion testingSupports confidence for marine exposure where required
Heat/lot traceability markingSimplifies audits, reorders, and downstream QA

5083 5086 H116 marine aluminum plate and sheet for boat building provide an ideal balance of high strength, excellent seawater corrosion resistance, and outstanding weldability. Commonly used for hull plating, decks, bulkheads, and marine structures, these 5xxx series Al-Mg alloys in H116 temper are trusted for demanding saltwater environments. With clear chemical composition control, strong mechanical performance, and wide plate/sheet availability, 5083/5086 H116 aluminum helps shipyards and fabricators build lightweight, durable, long-life vessels with reliable fabrication results.

author image
Lucy

Marine structures live in a world of salt spray, constant wet-dry cycles, vibration, and localized impacts. A "good" metal in a warehouse can fail quickly on a hull or deck if it can't resist corrosion and keep its strength after welding.

Leave a Message

Related Products

Marine 5083 aluminum plate

Marine 5083 Aluminum Plate belongs to the 5xxx series of aluminum-magnesium alloys and is classified as a non-heat-treatable alloy. Its high magnesium content (typically 4.0–4.9%) enhances its corrosion resistance, especially against seawater-related degradation such as pitting and stress corrosion cracking.

View Details
Marine 5086 aluminum plate

5086 Aluminum Plate belongs to the 5xxx series of aluminum-magnesium alloys. Its hallmark is a high magnesium content—generally between 4.0% and 4.9%—which delivers enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly against saltwater and marine atmospheric conditions.

View Details
Marine heavy duty aluminum plate

Marine Heavy Duty Aluminum Plates Sheets generally refer to thick aluminum alloy plates and heavy gauge sheets produced from marine-grade alloys such as 5083, 5086, 5059, and 5383.

View Details

Related Blog

5083 0.5mm aluminum plate sheet for marine

5083 0.5mm aluminum plate sheet is a thin, high-strength marine-grade alloy offering excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, and superior formability. Ideal for shipbuilding, boat decking, marine fittings, and coastal structures.

View Details
Mill Finish Plate Aluminum Sheet 5083 H116 For Boat

Mill Finish Plate Aluminum Sheet 5083 H116 For Boat: A Deep-Dive From The Hull’s Point Of View When naval architects choose materials, they are not merely reading charts; they are imagining how a plate of metal will live its entire life in salt water.

View Details
Marine Grade Aluminum Plate 5083

When it comes to building robust, durable, and corrosion-resistant marine vessels and offshore structures, Marine Grade Aluminum Plate 5083 stands as a premier choice in the industry.

View Details