Question 1

What certifications should a marine welder have?

Accepted Answer

For structural work, look for Lloyd's Register, ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) or DNV (Det Norske Veritas) welder qualifications. These certify the welder has passed destructive testing for specific materials and positions. For non-structural fabrication like rails and davits, AWS D1.1 (steel) or D1.2 (aluminum) certifications are standard. Always confirm the certification matches your hull material — an aluminum cert does not qualify someone for stainless, and vice versa.

Question 2

What is the difference between aluminum and stainless steel welding on yachts?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum yacht welding (typically 5083 or 5086 alloy) requires TIG or pulsed MIG with argon shielding, and the welder must manage heat input carefully to avoid distortion on thin hull plating. Stainless steel (316L marine grade) is more forgiving but requires back-purging with argon to prevent sugaring on the inside of the weld. The filler metals, gas mixtures and post-weld treatments are completely different. A welder skilled in one is not automatically competent in the other.

Question 3

How much does marine welding typically cost?

Accepted Answer

Marine welders in the US charge $100-$200 per hour, with rates higher for certified structural work and underwater welding. A custom stainless steel rail set for a 50-foot yacht runs $3,000-$8,000. Aluminum hull crack repair can range from $500 for a small surface repair to $15,000+ for structural plating replacement. Mobile welders who come to the dock typically charge a callout fee of $150-$300 on top of hourly rates.

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