sbu22
Guru
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2011
- Messages
- 1,253
- Location
- US
- Vessel Name
- Panache
- Vessel Make
- Viking 43 Double Cabin '76
The cleats on my 1976 boat are chromed brass. The cleats are rock solid, but the chrome is wearing/pitting and getting a little (actually, a lot) shopworn. Some require rebedding due to small (sure to get larger) water leaks developing. As part of the ongoing boat upgrade, I’m looking at either rechroming or replacing the cleats.
Rechroming is proving to be a bit of a challenge in terms of finding 1) a shop that will do a quality job, and 2) trying to get a handle on cost. I’ve discovered that for every car guy who recommends a chrome shop, I can find another who damn’s the same shop. Additionally, projected costs are from the shops I’ve talked to are vague, at best, and range from “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it” to a “per pound” cost subject to more caveats than a lawyer’s fee schedule. Based on the reading I’ve done, there are a ton of quality factors that go into rechroming, so the first piece is to identify a good source for the service.
The alternative is polished 316 ss. Looking at pricing and the skinny manufacturers info, there must be quality factors between products that I do not appreciate. Some variation is understandable. For example, I’ve found 10” cleats that handle ¾” line (all in 316) ranging from about $70 to $125 each. I’m sure there are a bunch of factors involved that I do not appreciate. For instance: Is all 316 ss born equal? I suspect not.
Questions for the experienced hands:
1. Are there factors for rechroming marine hardware that are different from those that apply to automotive work?
2. If I go with 316 ss replacements, what should I be evaluating between different products?
3. Is there any particular advantage to cleats that are built with integral attachment studs versus those that attach with through bolts?
As always, the assistance is greatly appreciated.
Rechroming is proving to be a bit of a challenge in terms of finding 1) a shop that will do a quality job, and 2) trying to get a handle on cost. I’ve discovered that for every car guy who recommends a chrome shop, I can find another who damn’s the same shop. Additionally, projected costs are from the shops I’ve talked to are vague, at best, and range from “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it” to a “per pound” cost subject to more caveats than a lawyer’s fee schedule. Based on the reading I’ve done, there are a ton of quality factors that go into rechroming, so the first piece is to identify a good source for the service.
The alternative is polished 316 ss. Looking at pricing and the skinny manufacturers info, there must be quality factors between products that I do not appreciate. Some variation is understandable. For example, I’ve found 10” cleats that handle ¾” line (all in 316) ranging from about $70 to $125 each. I’m sure there are a bunch of factors involved that I do not appreciate. For instance: Is all 316 ss born equal? I suspect not.
Questions for the experienced hands:
1. Are there factors for rechroming marine hardware that are different from those that apply to automotive work?
2. If I go with 316 ss replacements, what should I be evaluating between different products?
3. Is there any particular advantage to cleats that are built with integral attachment studs versus those that attach with through bolts?
As always, the assistance is greatly appreciated.