5754 5052 h22 h111 h116 aluminum sheet for boat building

Boat builders need sheet material that stays tough in a salty, wet environment, forms cleanly into hull curves, and resists long-term pitting and crevice corrosion around welds and fasteners. 5754 and 5052 aluminum sheets-especially in H22, H111, and H116 tempers-have become go-to choices for small craft, workboats, patrol vessels, pontoons, and superstructure parts where marine corrosion resistance and fabricability matter as much as strength.

These alloys belong to the 5xxx (Al-Mg) family, known for their excellent performance in seawater and strong response to cold work. In practical boat-building terms: they cut smoothly, bend predictably, weld reliably, and provide durable service with sensible maintenance.

Why 5754 and 5052 Are Popular in Marine Sheet

Marine durability with magnesium-based chemistry
Both alloys rely on magnesium to achieve a strong, corrosion-resistant aluminum matrix. Compared with many non-marine alloys, they offer a well-balanced combination of:

• Strong resistance to seawater corrosion and marine atmosphere exposure
• Good weldability for MIG/TIG fabrication
• Excellent formability for chines, hull plates, decks, and bulkheads
• Stable performance in large sheets, including thin-to-medium gauges

5754 vs 5052 in simple workshop language

• 5052 is often favored for general marine sheet work, especially when good forming and consistent quality are required.
• 5754 is commonly selected when builders want a bit more strength potential and robust hull/deck fabrication performance, particularly in European supply chains and for structural plating where good corrosion behavior is essential.

Temper Selection: H22 vs H111 vs H116

Temper influences how the sheet behaves during forming, welding, and in-service loading.

• H111
  Lightly strain-hardened (or "as fabricated" stabilized) condition. Typically chosen for better ductility and easier forming, making it suitable for complex curves, press forming, and parts with tight bend radii.

• H22
  Strain-hardened and partially annealed. Often selected when you want higher strength than H111 while keeping good formability. A practical choice for decks, internal structures, and panels that benefit from added stiffness.

• H116
  A marine-oriented temper with controlled processing to provide excellent resistance to exfoliation corrosion in seawater environments. Frequently used for hulls, side shells, and structural plating exposed to salt spray, bilge water, and coastal climates.

Note: H116 is widely specified for marine plating in Al-Mg alloys; final selection should match design standards, service environment, and local classification requirements.

Chemical Composition (Typical Reference Ranges)

The following tables summarize commonly referenced composition limits for these alloys. Actual mill certificates control.

5052 Aluminum (Typical Composition)

5754 Aluminum (Typical Composition)

Features That Matter on a Boat

Corrosion resistance in real marine conditions

5xxx sheets are widely used because they naturally form a protective oxide film, and Mg solid-solution strengthening supports robust performance in salt-laden air. For areas like spray zones, cockpits, deck edges, and bilges, these alloys provide dependable resistance when paired with good design practices such as drainage, isolation from dissimilar metals, and proper coatings where needed.

Weldability for fast fabrication

Both 5052 and 5754 weld well using standard marine fabrication methods. They tolerate typical boatyard heat input, and their post-weld corrosion performance is generally strong compared with many heat-treatable alloys.

Common filler guidance (project-dependent):

• ER5356 is widely used for strong, marine-grade welds on Al-Mg base metals.
• ER5183 may be chosen for higher strength in certain joints.

Formability and surface quality

Boat building involves rolling, bending, and sometimes deep forming. H111 is especially accommodating for forming operations; H22 adds stiffness; H116 emphasizes marine exposure performance. In all cases, clean forming results depend on tooling radius, lubrication, and grain direction control.

Weight savings with practical stiffness

Aluminum's low density helps achieve:

• faster acceleration and improved fuel economy
• higher payload capacity
• easier trailering and launching for small craft
• reduced draft in shallow-water designs

Typical Technical Specifications (Supply-Friendly)

Specifications vary by region and customer standards; the table below reflects common purchasing parameters for marine sheet.

Typical Mechanical Expectations (Practical Ranges)

Mechanical properties vary by thickness and mill process. Use this as a practical comparison rather than a design guarantee.

Applications in Boat Building

Hull and side plating

For hull shells, plating must resist wave slamming loads, abrasion, and constant wetting. H116 is frequently specified for external plating thanks to its marine-focused corrosion resistance, especially in areas exposed to salt spray and intermittent immersion.

Decks, superstructures, and cabins

Deck panels benefit from stiffness and stable flatness. H22 is a practical choice where builders want a firmer sheet that reduces oil-canning while still forming well around coamings, hatches, and deck camber.

Bulkheads, partitions, and internal structure

Internal structure needs a clean weld response and predictable bending. H111 performs well for frames, webs, lockers, and partitions, especially where the shop needs easy fit-up and forming without cracking.

Tanks, lockers, and wet compartments

Al-Mg sheets are commonly used around wet storage areas. Proper design remains essential: avoid trapped water, ensure ventilation, and isolate stainless fasteners with washers/sleeves to reduce galvanic risk.

Pontoons and work platforms

5052 and 5754 are well suited to pontoons, walkways, and utility platforms, where corrosion resistance and weld integrity are critical and cosmetic perfection is less important than long service life.

Processing Notes That Improve Results

Choosing Between 5754 and 5052 for Your Project

5754 and 5052 aluminum sheets in H22, H111, and H116 tempers offer an excellent toolkit for boat builders: dependable marine corrosion resistance, shop-friendly forming, and consistent weldability. For fast builds and complex shapes, H111 keeps fabrication smooth. For stiffer panels, H22 adds strength without sacrificing practicality. For long-term seawater exposure, H116 is a strong choice for hull and outer structure.