Stainless Steel Fabrication & Welding
Cruising boats accumulate stainless modifications over the years — bow rollers for a second anchor, davits for the dinghy, an arch for solar panels and the wind generator, custom hardware for whatever the production builder didn't anticipate. Stainless fabrication is one of the most consistently useful trades for cruising boats, and one where the price difference between yards can be substantial.
Common cruiser projects
- Bow roller upgrades: Second anchor mounting, heavier construction.
- Stern arches: Solar panel mounting, wind generator, davits, antennas.
- Davits: Dinghy hoisting and storage.
- Pulpit and pushpit modifications: Reinforcement, seat additions, gate modifications.
- Chain plates: Replacement of corroded or marginal original hardware.
- Custom hardware: Anything that needs to be made — brackets, mounts, custom rigging fittings.
What it costs
| Project | Common range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bow roller custom | $400–1,200 | Single roller, fabricated |
| Davits (dinghy) | $1,500–3,500 | Pair, installed |
| Stern arch with solar mounting | $2,500–6,000 | Custom designed |
| Pulpit repair (impact damage) | $500–1,500 | Welding + refinishing |
| Chain plate fabrication | $300–800 each | 316L stainless |
| Labour / hour (low-cost regions) | $20–40 | Turkey, Mexico, Colombia |
| Labour / hour (high-cost regions) | $80–150 | US, UK, EU |
Where to get it done
Cruisers report consistently strong, cost-effective work at: Bodrum and Marmaris (Turkey), Cartagena (Colombia), La Paz and Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Cape Town (South Africa from catamaran industry), Phuket (Thailand). Premium quality with premium pricing: Newport, Annapolis, Fort Lauderdale.
Frequently asked questions
Stainless grade?
316L for marine. Avoid 304.
Common projects?
Arches, davits, bow rollers, pulpits, chain plates.
Cost?
Bow roller $400–1,200. Davits $1,500–3,500. Stern arch $2,500–6,000.
Best places?
Turkey, Mexico, Colombia for value. US/EU for premium.
Crevice corrosion?
Inspect annually. Replace at surface rust at attachment points.