SS railing size

[onedakine]

Stainless steel rail pipe and fittings seem to be available in two popular sizes. 7/8” and 1” both are 0.065” wall thickness.

Where would one size be used opposed to the other?

I plan on building a railing on the stern of my 20’ fishing boat. Cost for what I have planed is about $700 with 1” stuff. Looks like I would only save $80 or so with 7/8”

Here on Kauai it’s almost never calm on the water so something that’s gonna hold when needed is the goal, but no sense add more weight and cost if no need.

Anybody have experience with both sizes?

 

[dingbat]

Someone is really proud of the 1” tubing over there. The difference on the main land is @ $10 for a 20’ stick

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

Assuming the upright railing will have enough support either will work unless there’s a long distance between them. I’ve put some serious force on 3/4” aluminum railing playing fish so the stainless should be great. I think your rings and stansions will be the be question how the difference in the cost of them are there you may find these are the real cost difference or do you plan to cut the tube nestle them and weld all upright posts without buying anything other than tube?

Personally larger is better for me leaning into a thinner tube is painful getting tossed into one even worse. I’d be fine with 1 1/2” aluminum it’s easier to work with but that’s just because I’d be making it myself.