Hello buddies,
There are many topics devoted to typical crossbar problems on this forum but still I have to ask Your advice.
Month ago I bought H17Sport catamaran from UK and now it is trailered to Latvia. I had no chance to check visually the condition before the deal but seems like it`s fine for asked price and age. Exception is condition of crossbars. As you see below, crucial connecting tips of beams are corroded and there is at least one observable crack.
Therefore question: Is it worth to weld and try to refurbish them?
I realize that welding decreases durability of aluminum but what options do I have. Buying even secondhand beams will increase cost of catamaran to the price of newer one. Besides good secondhand beams are hard to find. May be it is reasonable to sell the cat with profit and go to UK or Germany for another one. I guess welded beams will be fine for some lightweight sailor.
That`s my dilemma. Please share Your ideas/experience or give a hint where issue is discussed earlier.
p.s. pardon for my clumsy English.