Marine hardware consists of corrosion-resistant materials designed for harsh marine environments. Valued for its durability, stainless steel has traditionally been the primary material for boat deck hardware. 316 stainless steel is a good trade-off of value and long-term durability, mostly the material we would use for high-end boat builders.

Plastic is another common choice when it comes to budgets. For example, chrome-plated plastic can take on a metallic look at a fraction of the cost of stainless steel. There are a variety of plastic materials used in various finishes. One of the advantages of plastic is the guarantee that you will never encounter any rust or dissimilar metal challenges. However, the trade-off is structural integrity and rigidity. For example, we often find plastic latches have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, after which the backplate or latch mechanism may become damaged and need to be replaced.

Plastic and stainless steel hardware can offer some price and quality tradeoffs, give us a call and we can help explain all the pros and cons of each material to help you make the best choice!