5083 5086 5052 aluminium plate boat

10/03 2025

Aluminium plates in the grades 5083, 5086, and 5052 are widely recognized as some of the top materials used in marine applications including boat hulls, superstructures, and various boat fittings. Their exceptional corrosion resistance, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and good fabricability make them ideal for resisting the harsh marine environment.

Feature / Property	5083	5086	5052
Base Alloy System	Al-Mg	Al-Mg	Al-Mg
Temper Available	O, H116, H321	O, H116	O, H32, H34
Typical Usage in Boats	Hulls, structural parts	Hulls, superstructure	Fittings, tanks, hull parts
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent (esp. seawater)	Excellent (esp. seawater)	Good to excellent
Weldability	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Formability	Good	Good	Excellent
Density (g/cm³)	2.66	2.66	2.68
Typical Thickness	Up to 150mm	Medium thickness range	Generally thinner plates

Chemical Composition (Wt. %)

Element	5083 (%)	5086 (%)	5052 (%)
Aluminium (Al)	Balance	Balance	Balance
Magnesium (Mg)	4.0 - 4.9	4.0 - 4.9	2.2 - 2.8
Manganese (Mn)	0.4 - 1.0	0.4	0.1 - 0.4
Chromium (Cr)	0.05 - 0.25	0.05 - 0.25	0.15 - 0.35
Iron (Fe)	0.4 max	0.5 max	0.4 max
Silicon (Si)	0.4 max	0.4 max	0.25 - 0.6
Copper (Cu)	0.1 max	0.1 max	0.1 max
Zinc (Zn)	0.25 max	0.25 max	0.1 max
Others	≤0.15 total	≤0.15 total	≤0.05 total

Mechanical and Physical Properties

Property	5083 (H116)	5086 (H116)	5052 (H32)
Yield Strength (MPa)	215 - 260	193 - 250	140 - 228
Tensile Strength (MPa)	275 - 350	275 - 350	228 - 290
Elongation (% at break)	10 - 20	12 - 18	10 - 20
Hardness (Brinell)	75 - 95	75 - 95	60 - 75
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	117	117	138
Electrical Conductivity (%IACS)	30	30	38
Melting Point (°C)	590 - 640	590 - 640	605 - 650

Features and Benefits

Corrosion Resistance

5083 and 5086:Exceptional resistance against seawater, industrial chemicals, and marine atmospheres. Ideal for full boat hulls and exposed components in highly saline environments.
5052:Good corrosion resistance suitable for interior fittings and secondary structural components.

Strength

5083 and 5086 offer high tensile and yield strengths ideal for load-bearing hull sections, improving durability without excessive weight addition.
5052 is softer and more ductile, used preferentially where formability over strength is critical.

Weldability and Fabrication

All three grades exhibit excellent weldability through TIG, MIG, and arc welding, vital for metal joining in boatbuilding.
5052’s superior formability facilitates shaped panels, tanks, and doghouses.

Lightweight Material Advantages

Lower density relative to steel improves boat speed, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity.
Offers outstanding fatigue endurance necessary to withstand wave impacts and vibrations on water.

Surface Finish and Maintenance

The natural passivating oxide layers developed exhibit long-lasting surface cost saving.
Suitable for both painted and anodized finishes ensuring aesthetic appeal and longer life.

Marine Applications

Application	Recommended Aluminium Grade(s)	Comments
Boat Hulls	5083, 5086	Offers tensile strength and seawater resistance
Deck Fittings & Frames	5083, 5052	Medium strength with ease of shaping
Superstructure & Cabins	5086	Moderately strong with high corrosion resistance
Fuel & Water Tanks	5052	Superior formability and corrosion resistance
Lifeboats & Small Boats	5052, 5083	Excellent toughness and weldability
Railings & Supports	5052	Corrosion resistant and easy to fabricate