Bronze hardware

[kimtrang]

What do cruiserforumers think about chromed bronze?

My 55 year old boat has a fair bit of it. I just picked up on eBay a pair of utterly georgous cleats that weigh 9.5 pounds each, for $20. I would have paid a lot more, except they were advertised as being stainless steel.

Why did bronze go out of fashion?

[Wotname]

I like it

Sometimes difficult to get good chrome done in some parts of the world - EPA etc

Stainless is quicker and easier to fabricate and polish.

[skipmac]

Several reasons SS is more popular compared to the past.

New technology SS is easier and cheaper to fabricate than in the past.

As you've noticed, the chrome plating on bronze fails eventually making it quite unattractive and not an easy fix where SS can be buffed and polished to look almost like new no matter how old.

Bronze has gotten much more expensive due to rise in copper prices as SS prices have fallen.

Depending on the alloy, SS can be much stronger than bronze.

[kimtrang]

I really like that worn chrome on bronze look. I especially like that green corrosion. I especially like that there are no nasty surprises like stainless steel will offer.

I'll post some photos of my cleats and doredo vents tomorrow. The vents are perfectly unworn though.

I just don't get it. It is as if bronze is a precious metal to me.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by kimtrang

I really like that worn chrome on bronze look. I especially like that green corrosion. I especially like that there are no nasty surprises like stainless steel will offer.

I'll post some photos of my cleats and doredo vents tomorrow. The vents are perfectly unworn though.

I just don't get it. It is as if bronze is a precious metal to me.

My port surrounds are chrome bronze. When I first got the boat, I assumed they were SS and needed a good polish. When I discovered they were worn chrome bronze, I had them re-chromed. Way nicer than SS.

[roverhi]

As others have said, it's cost that has lead to the decline in availability of bronze hardware and the ascendancy of SS. I love my old bronze but can't find much in bronze hardware any more except second hand. Unless ultimate strength is needed bronze is a way better material for oat use than SS. No problems with crevice corrosion, work hardening, etc that plague 300 series SS.

[zeehag]

i prefer my bronze not chromed.
i love bronze
so does my boat.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by roverhi

I love my old bronze but can't find much in bronze hardware any more except second hand.

Don't despair. Get out your big checkbook and call one of these guys.

Bronze and Stainless Marine Hardware - Spartan Marine Hardware and Accessories

https://www.bristolbronze.com/products.htm

[Cheechako]

I like bronze cleats , plated or bare. But cast stainless are common now.

[JPA Cate]

I think, for some, it is a weight issue; for others, it is that the natural color of bronze is green.... Unless it is chromed, and the plate adheres.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

I think, for some, it is a weight issue; for others, it is that the natural color of bronze is green.... Unless it is chromed, and the plate adheres.

Well the natural color of bronze can be shiny and not green with the regular and vigorous application of the proper polish. One can do that in between the application of varnish to all the bright work that goes along with the shiny bronze.

[zeehag]

ever watch gunsmoke?? you all with petty weight concerns are chester. totally.
a few ounces aint gonna hurt you. please learn laws of physics and sailing.
polish my ass. use makes the shine, not extra work. patina rocks. is most seaworthy and nautical, moreso than shiny stainless steel, and more traditional, which puts off more snotty yotties than the material used
personally, there are boats demanding use of bronze for appearance group, and the modern production boats which donot have any sense of traditionalism, only modern and all looking same. there is no character in the appearance of modern designs.
bronze is best with a boat presenting with character and uniqueness, and best unchromed.
if you wish bronze, use bronze., you want shiny white metal, use ss.
jmho as a sailor appreciating artistic and traditional boats and 60 plus years to fine tune this appreciation.

[Cheechako]

While I agree most often the weight doesn't mean much, it could. The solid bronze traveller setup on my Hans Christian probably weighed 100# on the cabin top. at ~7-8 ft above the CG, that's 700-800# less righting moment.

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

While I agree most often the weight doesn't mean much, it could. The solid bronze traveller setup on my Hans Christian probably weighed 100# on the cabin top. at ~7-8 ft above the CG, that's 700-800# less righting moment.

send it to me, as my boat cries for more weight. .

[Blue Stocking]

Basic iron ore for st.steel is a lot cheaper than copper, needed for bullets

Check the market prices.