Q&A BLOG Updated 2/4/08

After starting the BLAB BLOG it occurred to me that although popular it didn't provide for any interactivity. I'll continue posting the comings and goings of Black Lab in that space but thought that you people might enjoy a space that you could contribute to and/or ask questions of.

So here at the QUABLOG we will be posting your questions, comments, suggestions, criticisms, ideas, concerns, anything (emailed to me at jay@blacklabmarine.com ) along with our answers or replies. Please put QUABLOG in the subject line of your email as we get many questions each day but will only highlight QUABLOG questions here.

Be not afraid...we will not use your name and or email on the site - you may use a pseudonym and/or username if you would like... For example:

Q) Striperguy from CT emailed in to ask "What is 5086 Marine Grade Aluminum Alloy?"

A) The aluminum alloys of the 5000 series of which 5086 is one are combinations of pure aluminum and magnesium along with some other trace elements and are often referred to as Marine Grade alloys. Of the various alloys within the 5000 series you usually see sheet metal (<3/16") boats made from the weaker alloy 5052 with more serious plate boats made from either 5086 or 5083. For military boats 5456 is sometimes used as it carries an armoring capability as well.

This combination of aluminum and magnesium is then work hardened (rather that heat hardened) to make a very tough plate that is impervious to the ravages of a saltwater environment.

When used in a well-designed, well-engineered, well-built boat I belive it to be the absolute best boatbuilding material in the world.

So if you have a question, idea, comment, criticism please email me at jay@blacklabmarine and we will answer your letters in this space.

Additionally...since starting this blog we've had a couple of requests for an update notification. If you would like a brief email notifying you that the BLOG has been updated please email me at jay@blacklabmarine.com and put QUABLOG Update in the subject line...