When shopping for hinges, you must consider the environment in which you intend to use them. Most hinges share a similar construction consisting of two leafs and a pin-secured knuckle. Some hinges, though, are better suited for specific environments than others. You may want to choose marine hinges for aquatic environments.
What Are Marine Hinges?
Marine hinges are mechanical bearings that are designed for marine-related applications. They are commonly used on boat lidwells, deck hatches, doors and more.
Marine hinges offer a superior level of protection against rust and corrosion. You can use them in aquatic environments without fear of them degrading.
Marine Hinges vs Standard Hinges
While standard hinges are available in a wide variety of materials, marine hinges are available exclusively in corrosion-resistant materials. They look like most other hinges. Marine hinges have two leafs and a pin-secured knuckle. They are simply designed for marine-related applications, such as boats.
Most marine hinges are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel, of course, is resistant to corrosion. It’s an iron alloy with a chromium content of at least 11%. Iron can rust and corrode when exposed to oxygen. But the chromium in stainless steel forms a protective film that protects the underlying iron from rust and corrosion.
Standard hinges may not last in aquatic environments. Even if a standard hinge isn’t submerged in water, it may be exposed to moisture in the air. Hinges on boats, for example, are frequently exposed to airborne moisture. Over time, airborne moisture can cause them to rust and corrode.
Marine hinges are protected against rust and corrosion. They feature a stainless steel construction with a layer of chromium. Some marine hinges are also finished to achieve a higher level of protection against rust and corrosion. Regardless, they can withstand wet, aquatic environments without degrading.
Marine Hinge Mount Styles
You can find marine hinges in different mount styles. The mount style refers to the way in which a hinge is installed or mounted. Like with standard hinges, you’ll have to mount marine hinges on two objects. All hinges are designed to connect two objects — and marine hinges are no exception. Nonetheless, you can find them in different mount styles.
Flush mount marine hinges are designed to be mounted flush with the objects. Top mount marine hinges, on the other hand, are designed to be mounted at the top of the objects. Other common mount styles for marine hinges include swage mount and 180-degree mount.