Slides clad with stainless steel sheet

As described in an earlier post the slides for the front, back and engine room hatches are made from ply with iroko side runners. The slides have been skinned with 1.2mm stainless steel for strength and to protect the end grain of the ply. This was carried out at a small local sheet metal shop.
In the local area there are fortunately still many small specialist machining, general engineering and artisan businesses which are usefull to a boat builder.

The corners have been welded and the back edge shaped closely to follow the tapered iroko runner.

The iroko is not expected to rot as it will be left unpainted and oiled regularly but the ply will be protected by paint as shown below. The stainless covers will be refitted with marine sealant to seal the edges after the second coat of paint.