What is Marine Hardware?

Marine hardware refers to the various components, fittings, and equipment used on boats, ships, and other marine vessels. These components are crucial for the operation, safety, and functionality of the vessel. Marine hardware includes many categories, which can be roughly divided into the following types: Deck hardware, Rigging hardware, Anchoring and mooring hardware, Hull fittings, etc.

When working properly, you shouldn’t even notice it is there. It makes the use of your boat easier and more comfortable, but when it fails it can be inconvenient and dangerous.

Marine Hardware Materials

Marine hardware requires materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments, which include corrosion, UV exposure, and mechanical stresses. Your hardware must be made of materials that can tolerate this environment. Any material used in the marine industry should not corrode when soaked in saltwater, or crack when subjected to sunlight and cold temperatures.

Typically there are a few options in materials when purchasing marine hardware, including stainless steel, anodized aluminum, zinc alloy, plated steel, and plastic. Stainless steel is by far the most popular option for marine use. Stainless is made to resist corrosion more so than normal steel. This is done by using chromium as the alloying element in stainless, versus carbon in mild steel.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel comes in different grades based on its chemical composition and corrosion resistance. For example, 316 stainless is more corrosion resistant than 304 due to the higher molybdenum and nickel levels in the alloy. 304 is still a commonly used grade of stainless steel in hardware, though, and has some properties that make it preferable to 316 for certain applications.

Aluminum

Aluminum is also a popular option but is usually anodized to stand up to the marine environment. In simple terms, anodizing is the process that thickens the natural oxide level on the surface of metal parts. It creates a layer of corrosion resistance. It can make the metal very difficult to weld, so keep that in mind while doing custom fabrication work.

Chrome-Plated

Chrome-plated metals can work well for hardware as well. By plating a corrodible metal, the chrome plating blocks any water from reaching the corrodible material. This can work great in dry areas of the boat or light-duty applications, but if the chrome plating is chipped the base material could begin to corrode. Chrome plating can also provide different styles of finishing from shiny chrome to a satin finish.

Plastic

Plastic can be a great option for many hardware items. Although not as strong as metal, it will not corrode and is far less expensive. Be sure to buy quality plastic parts, as plastic can be subject to UV degradation.