Polished Stainless Steel Isn’t Your Only Option Anymore!

Marine Innovations:
Polished Stainless Steel Isn’t Your Only Option Anymore!

9th September 2019

“A Ceracoat finish will also prevent barnacles, mussels and seagrasses from attaching to and/or damaging the hull of your boat. So you’ll spend less time and money cleaning your boat and removing these potentially harmful items from your vessel.”

In a marine environment, using the right finish is crucial in ensuring the durability and longevity of the parts on your vessel. Polished Stainless steel has long been a favourite choice for boat owners and builders alike, but it is no longer your only option.

Ceracoat is a highly efficient, cost-effective and long-lasting protective coating that can stand up to the elements. Constant cleaning, waxing and polishing your hardware, hinges, button heads and handles will soon be a thing of the past.

 


 

Ceracoat VS Polished Stainless Steel

Polished stainless steel has traditionally been the material of choice for boat hardware as it is tough and durable in a variety of conditions. Typically constructed from an alloy of steel and chromium, a polished stainless steel finish keeps oxygen out through the formation of a layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This thin layer is chemically passive, which means it will not react with air or water, making it a great choice for the marine environment.

Ceracoat, on the other hand, is a finish that provides two functions in one. Essentially it does the job of both a paint and a sealer, similar to how a lacquer performs with wood. This ceramic-based finish can be applied to a range of materials including metals, plastics and wood. Utilising state-of-the-art technologies, Ceracoat out-performs any other coating in both lab settings and in real-world scenarios. This finish is a great alternative to a polished stainless steel finish as it enhances physical properties such as resistance to wear, corrosion and chemicals while improving impact strength and hardness.

Benefits of Using Ceracoat

Ceracoat is becoming increasingly popular with boat builders, owners and engineers as it puts an end to grease, stains and other sediments on stainless steel and other metal surfaces. Ceracoat provides a long-lasting, tough, durable and ultra-thin layer of protection that is easy to clean and maintain. This finish is also salt-resistant and it is environmentally friendly so when it comes to being in the marine environment it can be tough while being kind.

A Ceracoat finish will also prevent barnacles, mussels and seagrasses from attaching to and/or damaging the hull of your boat. This means you need to spend less time and money cleaning your boat and removing these potentially harmful items from your vessel. What’s more, with less drag, you will get better fuel efficiency which will save you even more money in the long run.

Consider Ceracoat

Whether you are in the market for a new boat, fixing up an old model or you are simply looking to improve function or performance on what you already have, you should consider a Ceracoat finish for your hardware, major structures or hinges, button heads and handles. With so many benefits over a stainless steel finish, Ceracoat will continue to grow in popularity. Whatever finish you decide to go with, one thing is certain, a polished stainless steel finish is certainly not your only option anymore, and it’s worth considering the other choices out there to ensure you get the best finish for the best value.

Interested in Ceracoat?

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Automated Vertical Glass Solutions

Marine Innovations:
Automated Vertical Glass Solutions

3rd September 2019

“One popular use for automated vertical glass is for room separation, especially on larger luxury and commercial vessels. Not only do they add a touch of class to the space but they are highly functional too.”

For boat owners and builders, having a vessel that is functional and that looks great is important. You want to ensure that your boat can stand up to the challenges of the marine environment while providing you with enough comfort to enjoy your time on the water as much as possible.

There are more opportunities than ever in the marine industry to add stylistic, functional elements to your boat, such as automated vertical glass. Depending on how much space you have available, you may consider installing automated vertical glass solutions to separate rooms, to give you easier access to the deck or to simply to bring yourself closer to the outdoor marine environment you enjoy so much.

 

How Automated Vertical Glass Can Be Used

There are a huge variety of ways that automated vertical glass can be incorporated into the design of your boat. One popular use for automated vertical glass is for room separation, especially on larger luxury and commercial vessels. Not only do they add a touch of class to the space but they are highly functional too. Automated sliding glass doors can also be installed in larger vessels such as ferries to make access to different areas of the boat easier for passengers, especially for anyone who might need disabled access.

Automation can also be added to existing glass that you may already have installed onboard. On a smaller privately owned boat, you can automate the windows around the cockpit to allow easier access to the deck for you and your passengers. Automating windows in this area of the boat will also allow you to feel the wind and the spray as you make your way through the water, without having to worry about your windows being properly secured.

Installing Automated Glass

Having automated vertical solutions doesn’t need to be a big job. Depending on the specifics of the installation, you can add motors to existing mechanisms or you can opt to install a pre-assembled self-contained unit. These self-contained units can easily be retrofitted so that they work seamlessly with what you already have in place. Simply add power, install the product straight off the shelf and you can start enjoying the automation that will make life easier for you, your passengers and crew.

Talk To The Professionals

Here at ALFAB, we have pioneered the development of window systems for different types of marine applications for more than 60 years. Get in touch with our experienced and knowledgeable team at our Brisbane office, or our location in Melbourne, and let us help you to choose the right automated vertical glass solution to meet the needs of your vessel. 

Looking for a custom automated vertical glass solution?

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