Maintenance and hardware

Boat maintenance requires reliable components in all marine conditions: AISI 316 stainless steel hardware, sealants, primers, paints, and fasteners specifically designed for saltwater environments. When choosing, start by identifying the type of component needed—connection, sealing, fastening, or surface protection—and the material required for the application. Leggi la guida

Sealants, paints, cleaning

Stainless steel hardware

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Le marche di Maintenance and hardware

Osculati Trem Fni Viadana Barton Marine Marine Town Boero Lewmar Foresti E Suardi Plastimo Yachticon Veneziani Sika T-brite Psp Marine Tapes Crosseven

How to choose hardware and maintenance products for boats

The variety of components available for marine maintenance is extensive: from small fasteners to structural sealants, from shackles to turnbuckles, from antifouling paints to primers. Knowing the correct selection criteria helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures long-lasting performance.

Material: 316 stainless steel or galvanized?

For marine use, AISI 316 stainless steel is the standard for hardware in contact with salt water: shackles, turnbuckles, snap links, thimbles, and hinges are available in this alloy. The galvanized version is suitable for use in fresh water or in sheltered locations where direct contact with the sea is limited. Osculati, Trem, and Viadana cover most requirements in 316 stainless steel.

Diameter and load capacity: how to read the measurements

Connecting components such as shackles, turnbuckles, turnbuckle eyes, and snap links are primarily identified by the diameter of the wire or pin, expressed in millimeters. The diameter must be compatible with the cable or chain on which the component is mounted. Omega, bow, angled, and long shackles meet different geometric requirements: the bow shackle is preferred where a low profile and reduced lateral movement are needed.

Sealants and primers: matching the product to the surface

Polyurethane sealants such as Sikaflex are available in different formulations depending on the substrate (glass, teak, metal, gelcoat) and exposure to UV rays. Before applying a structural sealant, a specific adhesion primer is often required. Using the correct primer for the substrate is crucial for the durability of the bond. Sika provides public technical data sheets with the recommended combinations for each surface.

Paints and antifouling: choosing based on use

The choice between hard-matrix or self-polishing antifouling depends on the type of boating, the frequency of hauling out, and the type of water. Boero and Veneziani offer distinct ranges for warm water, cold water, and racing boats. Compatibility with the existing painting cycle must be checked before application.

Spare parts for hatches, winches, and deck hardware

For spare parts for components such as Lewmar hatches, winch friction parts, or deck parts, it is essential to identify the model and series of the original. Spare parts are often categorized by series and generation. Checking the serial number or code engraved on the component is the most reliable method for finding the compatible spare part.

Domande frequenti

Qual è la differenza tra un grillo a omega e un grillo a cetra?

Il grillo a omega ha un arco curvo classico adatto a carichi assiali diretti, mentre il grillo a cetra ha un arco più allungato e piatto che si adatta meglio a situazioni in cui si vuole evitare la rotazione laterale del componente.

Come si sceglie il diametro giusto per girelle e moschettoni?

Il diametro indicato nelle specifiche si riferisce al filo del corpo o al perno del componente. Va abbinato al diametro del cavo o della catena su cui lavora: un componente sottodimensionato rispetto al carico di lavoro riduce la sicurezza dell'intero sistema.

Il primer è sempre necessario prima di applicare il Sikaflex?

Dipende dal substrato: su molte superfici porose o plastiche il primer migliora significativamente l'adesione e la durata del sigillante. Le schede tecniche Sika indicano per ogni formulazione quali primer sono raccomandati e su quali materiali.

Come si distingue la viteria inox A2 da quella A4?

L'inox A2 corrisponde all'AISI 304 ed è adatto a impieghi generici; l'inox A4 corrisponde all'AISI 316 e contiene molibdeno, che lo rende più resistente alla corrosione in ambiente marino. Per la ferramenta esposta all'esterno su una barca, l'A4/316 è la scelta corretta.

Nella stessa sezione

Blanket and leg warmers Onboard comfort Plumbing and Toilets Mooring and anchoring Electrical system Engine Electronics Inflatables, trolleys and sports Onboard safety