Stainless steel or ceramic

[Cheechako]

Also, ceramic/steel sinks are very heavy.

[Aden]

Originally Posted by SV Bacchus

Could the answer be as simple as:

"If ceramic was better, the builder would probably have used it."

Buying in bulk, as a builder would do, there probably isn't that big a price difference is there? So I would think they use stainless for a reason.. But who am I..?

Interesting! However, there are many modern/newest boats using the "bathroom" sink with ceramic or other material with white color. Surely there must be some values of using this kind of sink on the boat. I don't think it is just only for the contemporary look.

[Rigdaddy]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

Indeed. Boats are not static things. The "furniture", meaning the cabinetry, can flex with the hull to which it's mounted. Indeed, if it didn't, it would crack or would damage the hull. Throw in a ceramic sink. Clearly, an SS sink can flex a bit whereas ceramic sinks cannot. I know what I would rather fall against, too.

I agree with the concern about inflexibility. I have marble counters in the galley and heads, which have all cracked, while the three stainless sinks are well and good; and shiny, on a 30 year old boat.

[rwidman]

Acrylic:


Tierra Drop-In Bathroom Sink in White-85400 - The Home Depot

Comes in other colors as well.

[Sailmonkey]

I've got so much other stuff on the boat that always needs attention that the material of the sink has never even crossed my mind!!

[lordgeoff]

Originally Posted by Aden

Looking at some old boats, most of them have the stainless steel bathroom sink.

I may replace it with a new ceramic material. Honestly, I don't understand why the stainless steel sink is used on the boat. I wonder it may develop the stubborn rust for a certain time.

Would it be better to use ceramic rather steel? in fact, it depends if we can refit the new one.

Stainless steel sinks are the ONLY item than NEVER needs replacing. Use phosphoric acid to get rid of the tea stains and get it bright and shiny again.

[CarinaPDX]

Stainless just works - why experiment? To discover why you shouldn't?

I have never heard of a pure "ceramic" sink - they are cast iron with a ceramic coating. And it is very heavy. And easily chipped and stained.

Cast iron is a bad idea on a boat - I have a cast iron stove top (with a high quality ceramic coating) and once the corrosion started it has been shedding rust particles continuously. The problem is on the bottom side - the top still looks good - the iron is getting mighty thin in places. I will be replacing it with a custom machined sheet of bronze, as the replacement top is hideously expensive and still a bad idea.

Greg

[Bulawayo]

Originally Posted by redhead

I think the answer is what you're going to be doing on the boat -

Think Offshore (boat heeled, choppy, lots of flexing going on) probably stainless because it's utilitarian, easy to clean, the surface is not as hard when you drop something in it - or your feet go out from under you and you hit your chin on the edge (go ahead, ask me how I know).

OR

You're somplace sublime,( gentle breezes, palm trees, the couple from up the dock are coming over in an hour for a bite to eat) probably the ceramic sink would work just fine, it looks good and it makes you proud of your boat.

Not everyone is Tristan Jones. We are all types and as long as the sink fits the type of sailing you are doing, go for it. Purists be damned!

If you want one, I recommend you get one.

Plus one �� We had ceramic in the heads and stainless in the galley.

[Mossy Man]

My boat is 65 years old and has the original stainless sink which still polishes up really well. It is used as a repository for junk and rubbish whilst underway. I could not imagine a ceramic sink taking the punishment that it gets at times. Flex is certainly another thing to take in consideration.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Aden

Looking at some old boats, most of them have the stainless steel bathroom sink.

I may replace it with a new ceramic material. Honestly, I don't understand why the stainless steel sink is used on the boat. I wonder it may develop the stubborn rust for a certain time.

Would it be better to use ceramic rather steel? in fact, it depends if we can refit the new one.

Lets see...you're looking at boats and your concern is a sink...really?

[sailjumanji]

This reminds me of the home buying shows where the couple is looking at a million dollar home and giving critique of the ceiling fans.

That said, i'd never do ceramic in a boat. Chips.

[Sailmonkey]

Is this thread about porcelain or ceramic?

[buzzstar]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

Is this thread about porcelain or ceramic?

Yes. [Actually a good question.]