Are you looking for materials to moor a vessel? Or do you need a stainless steel outboard propulsion system? Regardless of what you are currently looking for, any item that you purchase should only be made of marine-standard materials. Stainless steel marine fittings should be manufactured according to ISO 9001-2000 standards. 316 marine grade stainless steel is the only material that is able to withstand corrosion and will give you the best defence against the elements. You may find that fittings made of 304 stainless steel are cheaper but they corrode much faster and you would have to replace them shortly after.
The only way to find fittings of the highest quality is by purchasing them from a reputable importer and retailer. You will be able to spot them easily as they usually supply materials to professionals and have a loyal client base. The Boating Industry of Australia has some as members, which makes it even easier to locate them. The Australian market is very demanding and not all products are able to provide the quality that is expected so choose carefully.
Cleaning Stainless Steel
Looking after your stainless steel fittings is actually quite simple but it should be done on a regular basis to prevent the metal from becoming cloudy or dirty. The best way to clean it is by using a mild detergent, water and a soft cloth or a sponge. It is important to dry it properly to avoid any streaks. Remember not to use any strong chemicals, such as bleach, as they can be hard to neutralise. Using a damp cloth instead of water could just smear the dirt rather than remove it.
The only way to avoid dirt build up, which is harder to remove and could cause scratches, is by regularly cleaning the stainless steel. If there are grease or oil marks that the water and detergent solution cannot clean, then you can use glass cleaner and then rinse it off.
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