Defy wrote:
Can it be welded?
That would probably be a terrible idea. In my experience, aluminum welding is very hard for all but the most experienced welders with the best TIG or MIG equipment. I'd guess Hobie uses 6061-T6, which while highly weldable, would need heat treatment / tempering again to regain it's strength after being weakened by the heat from welding. (
wiki page on 6061)
Thanks to Matt Miller for clarifying what I needed to know. Glad to hear the new extrusion will fit the old corner castings, which is the route I will go. I'll order a new traveler car too. I think the new crossbar comes completely bare, so I guess I'll get a new eyestrap and swivel mounting bracket. I could probably find another used 80s boat for the price of all the parts... but at least this will be a new, modern, part on my trusty old '84.