Marine environments present a tough challenge for metal components. It makes selecting the suitable alloy crucial in ensuring projects remain clean, safe, and operational. Stainless steel is an industry standard for boat and ship components, including pulpits, hinges, propeller shafts, railings, and accents. It also provides significant cost savings over painted carbon alternatives.
Easy to Clean
Many marine projects like piers, vessels, and oil rigs are exposed to harsh environments. This environment can cause metals to corrode quickly. However, stainless steel prevents rusting and can be cleaned much more rapidly than other materials. Chromium is the key to preventing corrosion in stainless steel. This element makes up 10.5% of the alloy’s composition and forms a protective skin that shields the base metal from moisture exposure, preventing rust and corrosion.
The passivity range is even broader in grades 316 and higher due to the addition of molybdenum, which minimizes carbide precipitation. Dirt deposits, fingerprints, and identification markings can easily be removed from stainless steel using xylene or isopropyl alcohol. When cleaning a surface, always test solvents on an inconspicuous area first to ensure they won’t damage the surface.
For stubborn stains, mineral spirits or scouring powder can help remove them. After cleaning, rinse the surface with clean water. It will remove any residual traces of the solvent and ensure it is safe to use again.
Durability
Corrosion is one of the most significant issues facing many marine projects. Stainless steel can resist corrosive environments better than other materials, protecting structures and providing a more appealing appearance. Most grades of stainless steel have corrosion resistance benefits, but specific alloys work better in marine environments due to the high chromium content that protects them from rust. Chromium prevents iron oxide from forming, creating a microscopically thin passive layer shielding the surface. Grade 316 also has molybdenum, which magnifies the passivity range of chromium and helps it resist pitting and crevice corrosion.
Marine-grade stainless steel is a popular choice for the ships and boat stairs components, from large freighters on the ocean to small pontoon boats on a lake. It is commonly used for piping, pulpits, hinges, propeller shafts, railings and accents, fasteners, and shackles. It is also a common material for docks and marinas, as it can be used in flooring, drainage grates, and ornamental tubing.
Low Maintenance
The natural corrosion resistance of stainless steel reduces the need for specialized cleaning supplies and paints, making it easier to keep marine projects clean. It lowers maintenance costs and means that a simple wash down with standard cleaners or warm water is needed to keep equipment and structures looking new and functional for years. Even in the harshest marine environments, the chromium oxide layer covering stainless steel resists rusting by blocking oxygen diffusion to the metal core.
It is ideal for marine projects requiring long-term exposure to corrosive materials like salt air and seawater. Grades 304 and 316 are excellent choices for maritime applications, but 316 is the best choice due to its higher concentration of molybdenum. Molybdenum increases the passivity of stainless steel, helping it to withstand pitting and crevice corrosion in harsh marine environments. It is also a superior choice for chloride-rich environments, such as those found on offshore oil platforms.
Resistance to Corrosion
Marine projects occur in environments where salt water teems around every piece of metal. Stainless steel is ideal for marine projects because it does not corrode or leach into the surrounding water. Marine grade 316 stainless steel contains high levels of nickel and molybdenum to enhance corrosion resistance compared to other stainless steel stages. This higher level of molybdenum prevents pitting and crevice corrosion.
Corrosion is a massive problem for most materials in a marine environment because of the high concentrations of salt found in seawater and splash zones. Opting for ideal grades can significantly increase the lifespan of marine components and ensure safety for the people using them. Unlike carbon steel, which rapidly rusts when exposed to oxygen, the chromium in stainless steel creates a layer that prevents iron molecules from reacting with oxygen. This process is known as passivation. This protective surface layer can also repair itself if scratched or damaged.
