As experts in marine stainless steel fabrication in Auckland, we understand the importance of maintaining your boat’s stainless steel hardware to ensure it stays functional and looks pristine.

A few months ago, the team at Gulf Harbour Marina invited us to share our top care tips with berth holders, helping them protect their stainless steel fittings from the harsh marine environment. Below, you’ll find the practical advice we provided—perfect for keeping your boat’s stainless steel in top condition.

We hope you find it as useful as they did!

At Firefish Fabrication, we share your love for boating and the need to care for the stainless steel components on your vessels. In the boating world, 316 marine-grade stainless steel is the go-to material due to its corrosion and saltwater resistance. At Firefish Fabrication, we work with it more regularly than any other metal. However, despite its toughness, even 316 stainless steel benefits from proper maintenance. Regular care can extend the life of your stainless components, especially those exposed to the elements. Here are a few tips to keep your stainless steel looking bright and sleek.

Post-Outing Wash Downs
After a trip in saltwater, it’s essential to wash down your boat. Products like Salty Captain, which we connect to the hose, make this task easier by providing a thorough rinse without the need for scrubbing. Don’t forget to rinse the stainless steel on the underside of canopy tops, as these areas are often neglected and can accumulate salt, leading to discoloration. This is also a good time to check for loose or rusted screws and parts, so they can be replaced, fixed, or tightened as needed.

Light Cleaning
For light stains and fingerprints, warm water and mild dishwashing soap usually do the trick. Clean with the grain to avoid scratches, rinse thoroughly, and dry well to prevent water spots. Use a soft cloth, such as microfiber, and avoid abrasive or harsh materials that can damage the stainless steel.

Tough Stains and Restoring Shine
For tougher stains and to restore polish and shine, use a gentle marine-grade cleaner like Autosol. Apply it with a soft cloth and use a good amount of elbow grease. Rub vigorously until the stainless turns black and the cleaner starts to dry, then use a clean cloth to wipe off the residue.

Professional Polishing Options
For a more thorough spruce-up, consider removing the stainless components and having them professionally machine-polished or electro-polished. We are happy to help you work through those options.

Dealing with Pitting
If your stainless steel has pitted or developed surface rust, professional help may be needed. In some cases, the surface can be ground down if the stainless is thick enough. If you encounter this issue, feel free to reach out to us for guidance on the best repair or replacement options.

By following these tips, you can ensure your stainless steel components remain in top condition, extending their life and keeping your boat looking its best.

Firefish Fabrication is your onsite metal fabrication workshop at Gulf Harbour Marina, tucked behind the Brin Wilson shed at 779 Laurie Southwick Parade. We always welcome walk-ins from berth holders and locals.

For inquiries and no obligation, complimentary quotes, please email us on steve@firefishfabrication.co.nz

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One of our favourite and most memorable jobs for the year has been the custom fabrication of this stainless steel dolphin, encased in a frame, that has been erected on a residential home located on the busy main Orewa beach.

The clients wanted to create an eye-catching feature on the deck of their beachfront home that could bring joy to passers-by, and themselves. They’ve been delighted with the response they have received since it’s been installed in early November and couldn’t be happier with the finished product.

Initially our director, Steve worked with the client to create a CAD design that everyone was happy with, but then oversaw our junior fabricator, O’Brien (or OB) while he fabricated this one from start to finish, even hand bending each of the components himself. We couldn’t be prouder of the work that’s gone into this one.

Our team really love bringing to life these out-of-the-box type projects, so if there’s something you have been dreaming up, please reach out to chat through some ideas.