Hi:



The answer isn't as simple as yes or no. It depends on how much loading is on the pin to begin with. For example, if you wanted to hook a shock cord to a becket that had a 3/16" diameter SS pin, there is no reason you couldn't use an aluminum pin. On the other hand, if the pin was holding your rig up, I'd be very careful what I used. You should be able to find published working loads for various pin diameters and materials used in normal configurations and then evaluate the application for yourself. WRT aluminum, corrosion issues can quickly reduce the strength of pins that are exposed to salt water, particularly if the pins are in close proximity to stainless steel or carbon fiber. For all pins, wear on the pin, pitting, and any scratches (particularly circumferential) that are on the surface will substantially reduce the strength of the pin.



So a short answer is yeah you could do it if the carabiner was very lightly loaded, not in a critical application, not exposed to corrosive environments, and if the condition of the carabiner was evaluated on a frequent basis. If it were my boat, I'd go about the weight saving in a different way, such as losing pounds off my gut - a cheap and highly effective way to reduce the "as sailed" weight of a boat.



-Greg