Why Composite Marine Fittings are Best for Boats

Tru-Design use composites to ensure that their products will be long lasting and perform to the highest standard.

 

Composites are created from 2 or more materials with different physical properties combined at a macroscopic level, resulting in a better material than the constituents on their own.

 

Tru-Design use a number of different grades, predominately a Polyamide 6 (nylon) matrix with Glass Fibre reinforcement, giving excellent chemical resistance, stiffness, impact strength, heat resistance and ultimate strength. All white grades have additives to provide increased UV resistance to ensure long life of exposed fittings.


The material used in Tru-Design marine fittings do not corrode or conduct electrical currents, therefore not contributing to galvanic corrosion. They are also immune to stray electrical currents.

 

The use of composite marine fittings gives `peace of mind’ knowing that important Thru Hull fittings and sea-cocks are not slowly corroding away, opening up the vessel to the sea. All Metal parts suffer from corrosion to some extent, due to the electrolytic properties of sea water. Many different methods are employed to reduce the effect of corrosion in Metal fittings including:

  • Barrier coatings e.g. paint
  • Anodes
  • Electrical bonding

 

These methods will still be needed on a vessel to protect Stern Gear etc, but there is no longer any need to worry about the Thru Hull fittings and sea cocks.

 

Tru-Design marine fittings are significantly lighter weight than similar metallic fittings, as can be seen in the second image on the right. Tru-Design marine fittings are produced from the same grade of material, from the same manufacturer every time.

 

The Tru-Design Range of >Skin Fittings and >Skin Fittings with Tail are the only Polymer >Skin Fittings to be certified by the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) in Belgium to ISO Standard 9093-2. Tru-Designs Range of Ball Valves are also certified by the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) in Belgium to ISO Standard 9093-2.

 

The IMCI specifies requirements for the manufacture and installation of non-metallic Through-Hull below water fittings, seacock and hose fittings. The Ball Valves and >Skin Fittings are moulded from Nylon glass reinforced plastic with demonstrably high-strength, high-modulus fibres providing dramatic increases in strength and stiffness, toughness and dimensional stability.

 

Ball Valve assemblies and underwater >Skin Fittings have to be able to hold a force of at least 1500N (155kg or 340lbs) applied a minimum of 10 cycles from a position 20mm off the end of the fitting. The fitting shouldn't show any leakage to the outside of the assembly when subjected to an internal water pressure of 0.1 MPa (1 Bar).

 

For more information on Tru-Design products, contact CH Smith in store or online.

Tru-Design materials do not corrode or conduct electrical currents
Tru-Design products are significantly lighter than similar marine fittings
Products put through rigorous testing to meet ISO standards
Bureau Veritas certified