Opinion on aluminum railing

[Hornloaded]

I’m looking at a 47’ trawler that has all aluminum railing. I’ve never seen this. It doesn’t appear to be polished, more of a satin finish.
Should this be a concern?

Thanks
Doug

 

[Bkay]

I wouldn't be concerned about aluminum railing. For most boats, I prefer it over stainless that requires polishing.

They may have created the finish by simply using a green scouring pad. I prefer that finish to mill scale or some attempt to polish it. It should wear well without any polishing. The only issue I have with aluminum is sometimes you get a white powdery surface from oxidation. For something like hand rails, you can wipe if off a few times a year. But you will never have "rust" or discoloration.

 

[OldDan1943]

Some boats look better with painted pipe railings. Just the owner's preference.

 

[sunchaser]

How stout are the railings? Do the lean on them test. BTW, our SS railings never need polishing, just wipe them off after a wash job. It is all in the initial SS quality and original polishing.

 

[Pete Meisinger]

Fresh water or Salt water ? Stainless will last longer in salt.

pete

 

[boathealer]

I’m looking at a 47’ trawler that has all aluminum railing. I’ve never seen this. It doesn’t appear to be polished, more of a satin finish.
Should this be a concern?

Thanks
Doug

I love our 1-1/4" all-aluminum rails. ZERO maintenance except to rinse off salt water. They look great unpolished IMHO.

 

[LaBomba]

I have looked at a few Great Harbors like Ray’s and they look fine after a number of years in use. Would not bother me so long as they are of adequate size and solidly fastened.

 

[Comodave]

You can use a protectant like Shark Hide (spelling?) on aluminum.

 

[Shrew]

My Mainship has Aluminum rails. I can't get 1 1/4" hardware to fit. Though I don't think it's 1 1/2". They are stout and I don't have any issues. They will develop a oxidation on the outside, however, I find common areas that get touched frequently never develop oxidation patina.

If you want shiny, don't get aluminum. However, you don't have to polish them either.