by GTS225 » Sun May 12, 2019 8:42 pm
I've been wondering about the viability of EMT for a framing material. A few years ago, I welded up a roof for my '23 T, using 1/2" EMT for the basic frame. Made some "plugs" to use as internal splicing unions, and using a quite low setting on the wire welder, was very successful at building a rather rigid frame for it.
Had a local guy install boat cover material over it. It worked out great. Light weight, too.
I've been mentally toying with a skeletal framework of 3/4", welded together, then glueing in 3/4" foam board, and covering it with PMF. I'm sure there would be a discrepancy between the conduit and the foam thickness, but I haven't explored that detail yet.
One of the reasons I like the 3/4" conduit is due to the fact that a number of clamp-on fittings can be had in the marine world. The tubing used for Bimini type boat tops is 7/8" diameter, and 3/4" EMT fall almost perfectly on that dimension. It would be quite easy to utilize those fittings for attached canopies, interior hangers for lighting, door hinges, dinette hatch, etc.
Ferbal, if you would be good enough to post a few pics during your deconstruction, I would appreciate it.
Roger