Marine ship locks will not rust or corrode because of the materials and coatings applied to them. Any maritime equipment is very susceptible to rust since it is always exposed to saltwater and high humidity. In fact, a report by the National Marine Manufacturers Association shows that corrosion accounts for as much as 40 percent of marine vessels’ maintenance costs. Due to such issues, a number of manufacturers have produced rust-resistant marine ship locks made either from stainless steel, brass, or coated metals. For instance, stainless steel has a wide application in marine use because of its great resistance to rust, offering as many as up to 10 times more protection than regular steel does.
Other than the type of material in use, a lot of the marine locks are treated with special anti-corrosive coating, such as powder coating and electroplating. These coatings provide an extra layer of protection, extending the lock’s lifespan by up to 50%. For example, zinc or nickel-plated marine locks can withstand rust for many years, even in a very harsh marine environment. John Harrison, a marine expert explained, “Investment in good quality rust-resistant locks is very essential to maintain both security and functionality in a marine environment.”
Yet again, all marine locks are created equal in terms of their ability to resist rust. The inexpensive kind of lock might be produced from metals not too well disposed toward the salty, evermoistly environment at sea. Indeed, a recent study by Marine Equipment Trade in 2020 showed that in as little as two years after installation, vessels reported 15% issues due to corrosion of the locks, usually made from cheap metals or a lack of metal protective coatings. This further enforces the need to select locks designed for marine environments.
A marine ship lock may last up to 10 or more years depending on its management and exposure to harsh weather. The American Boat and Yacht Council estimates that a well-maintained marine lock outlives an average boat’s life cycle, offering security that endures with the boat owner. This, in addition to advanced rust-resistant features, makes your lock able to serve effectively in those conditions continuously for that period of time.
For boat owners looking for some reliable marine locks, investing in high-quality rust-resistant models will pay dividends in security and low maintenance costs for years to come. To learn more about corrosion-resistant marine locks, visit marine ship lock.