Skin Fittings

[Captn D]

I know it has been covered before. However, with all the yachting press publicity regarding inferior skin and valve fittings, I am still confused as to the differences between various metals. Specifically, what is the difference between
DZR Brass, Gunmetal and Bronze; and which is best and least suitable for use in seawater? Comment please?

 

[Tranona]

It is really quite simple. Bronze and DZR are suitable. However, the former is difficult to find and expensive (for valves, but less so for skin fittings) and it is not always possible to tell just by looking which are DZR. However, reputable suppliers will label DZR correctly. When buying, if it is cheap it is almost certainly brass and not suitable - DZR valves are typically anything up to twice the price, but you still need to get confirmation from the supplier that it is DZR. ASAP is one supplier that clearly differentiates.

 

[VicS]

Just to add that gunmetal is a bronze. You'll often find skin fittings are gunmetal

Avoid an alloy called Tonval. It is a brass and sometimes sold as dezincification resistant brass. It is not.

 

[Vara]

If I were speccing from new I would go for Marelon (plastic with bits in).

Wave good bye to electrolysis probs, and easy maintenance.

 

[VicS]

"Plastic with bits in" ... like those wholegrain loaves

 

[Vara]

"Plastic with bits in" ... like those wholegrain loaves

They probably taste better as well.

 

[Captn D]

Thank you all. I think I understand the terms better now. From my recent searching it would seem that in terms of cost, the highest is Bronze followed by Gunmetal and DZR cheapest. I specifically left out Brass from the equation.

 

[nigel1]

If I were speccing from new I would go for Marelon (plastic with bits in).

Wave good bye to electrolysis probs, and easy maintenance.

Have seen posts on other forums stating that is not uncommon for the handles to snap off, and due to the design, it means fixing with a new valve

 

[prv]

"Plastic with bits in" ... like those wholegrain loaves

Known in my family as "bread with rivets in".

Pete