Northwest Fishing Reports

I picked up a tabletop BBQ for my sled, now I want to be able to mount it on the gunnel. I was thinking to use the same type of mount that I have for my downriggers. That is until I saw how much they cost (mine came with the boat)!

I am thinking I can just buy the aluminum and bend it into shape myself. Maybe bending two 2-3" strips into the correct shape, bolting a piece of sheet aluminum on top and securing the BBQ to that.

I've worked with steel, but not aluminum. It is easy to bend? Brittle? Heat it or cold??

Anybody have experience with something like this?

Here are the DR mounts I am modeling after..
http://www.willieboats.com/product/adju ... t-snap-on/

I don't have any personal experience with aluminum but heating does sound like it would make it less likely to crack. I found this thread that might help...? Anxious to hear how it works out! Don't forget the pictures.

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/thread ... racking-it

If the sheet aluminum you buy isn't too thick it should bend nicely, however being that aluminum is so soft, many of these pre-built items you buy are actually made from aluminum alloy to boost tensile strength, but by adding strength it can increase the brittleness causing stress cracks to occur when bent at too sharp an angle. Again, thickness will play a roll if you use alloy. I'd think your idea of a couple 2-3" wide strips to shape and then bolting on a flat top would probably work. Especially since the item isn't going to be subject to extreme stress.....unless you're an extreme BBQ'er.
FWIW....and I'm speaking from limited experience, so no expert opinion here.

EDIT: Gwendylyn, just saw the link you posted. Cool info!

Too bad you're on the west side and I'm on the east side.
I am a sheet metal fabricator by trade and could easily make what you need. Now on your bending questions. If you buy a strip somewhere, it will likely be a 6000 series aluminum that will want to crack and break after limited bending, unless it's anealed. My guess is you would waant about a 3/16" think strip, and even in a 4000 series alum, that will be difficult to bend and still look nice if it's not done with the proper bending equipment.
I would suggest going to a local sheet metal shop and asking them what they would charge to bend you up some strips to match what you want. Then you can bolt the sheet alum to your framework the way you want it.