Re-chrome or replace hardware?

[tronic72]

The hardware on my boat has lost much of the coating which I assume was chrome but it appears to be bronze so it’s still intact. Am I better to replace this with new stainless steel hardware or re-chrome the existing? Thanks in advance.

Mark, Melbourne AU. (Boat - Riviera 32)

[Bowdrie]

If re-chroming can be done without untoward expense, I would do it.
Much of todays "stainless" hardware is poorly made, a cheap substitute for the machined bronze castings of yesteryear.
Bronze will always have a "Panache", possessed of a measure of class that stainless can but hope to achieve.

[Tupaia]

Re-Chrome. Assuming you can get it done at a reasonable price.



The chances are replacement fittings will not match the holes of the original fittings and you will be in for a lot more work than you thought.

[Jim Cate]

Bronze will always have a "Panache", possessed of a measure of class that stainless can but hope to achieve.
_

But when you chrome it, the panache goes away in the bling.

And theanswer to your question depends upon which sort of hardware you are considering. For decorative bits the rechrome is feasible. But for working stuff (blocks, tracks, other wearing parts) the chrome will restore shine but not material that has worn away from working surfaces.

Jim

[AiniA]

Good rechrominng is not cheap. We had a dozen winches done by a highly-respected shop and I swear they looked better than new, but the cost was about CAD$3000. Since the job included Lewmar 65s and 55s in the mix it made sense since mechanically they were fine.

[tronic72]

Thought I’d show a few examples

[ShoreFun]

Coming from the car restoration side of experience with plating.

The problem you will need to consider is keeping it dimensionally correct. The process is to put a layer of copper, nickel for color and then chrome.

Most shops will buff and make the part look pretty in the process. This can change the size or take away material that is structural. If you have a part that must fit in a hole when done, it may not fit when done.

Any shop you go to you MUST and I mean MUST be extremely clear about dimensions and fit and how a part MUST operate when finished.

Yes, I have spent thousands of dollars having impossible to find parts ruined at a major plating company. I even sent 8 pages of directions and how parts must fit when done. They ignored it all.

So consider that as you go along.

[tronic72]

I had some redone a few years ago and they are yet to be installed so I might check them for for fit. Thanks for all the replies.

[KadeyKrogen38]

I re-chromed chocks, winch pedestals, port trim rings and other bits probably 20+ years ago by a good reputable firm. Looks almost new still today. The re-chrome was of a higher quality than original hardware.

[Wrstein]

You might consider another option: just stripping the remaining chrome from your bronze fittings. It’s true that when chromed fittings start losing their chrome they look shabby—but if you strip the remaining chrome from them, you get to bask in all that bronze. Now, chrome can be stripped electrolytically in your driveway, at very little cost. It involves using a battery or a battery charger, a bucket with (if I recall correctly) a salt dissolved in water; and another metal as a (cathode? Anode? I can never remember which is which). You can google it. Anyway, it works to strip the remaining chrome clean of your fitting, without having to mechanically remove it. The downside is, you’re left with a bucket of nasty metal-contaminated water to dispose of. And of course, you’d need to take the fitting(s) off the boat, but if they’re shabby, it’s probably time to re-bed them and check the fasteners anyway. FWIW

[mvweebles]

Nice shape to the end pieces. I'd rechrome if at all possible.

If you decide to replace, NewFoundMetals has decent quality stainless rail standoffs.

https://newfoundmetals.com/product/hand-rail/

[CarinaPDX]

Or if they are bronze then consider having the chrome removed with reverse-plating. Then enjoy the beautiful patina...

Greg

[Dooglas]

Very few shops do actual rechroming any longer, and the few that do are specialty shops which are very expensive. Unless precise restoration is critical and you are not overly concerned about cost, there are really two choices - replacement or powdercoating.

[Manateeman]

Bronze will turn a beautiful green or you can have it polished and coated clear.
CeraKote is another option.

[PEACEMAKER 455]

I own a chrome plating shop in Auckland NZ have done polishing ,gold and chrome plating on super yachts classic cars and bikes.also plate daily for winch and marine fittings manufacturer. Yes definitely replate your bronze fittings can do other metal substrates including stainless aluminium and zinc diecast . Progressive Electroplaters