FAQ & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ and Resources hub — designed to answer your most common questions and deepen your understanding of yacht solar arches and related marine equipment. Here you'll find clear, practical information to guide you through product selection, installation, maintenance, and more.
Your Questions Answered
Technical Data
Technical Specifications
To help you choose the perfect solar arch for your boat, here is a detailed technical guide outlining typical materials, tube sizes, weights, and maintenance tips.
How much does the average stainless steel solar arch weigh?
| Title | Tube Spec | Add Fittings (kg) | Total Base Weight (kg) | Base Width (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal | OD38 × 10m; OD42.2 × 7m | 2 | 32 | 3.5 |
| Eiviva | OD38 × 16m | 2 | 29 | 3.5 |
| Valkiry | OD50.8 × 12m; OD38 × 14m | 2 | 54.5 | 4 |
| Dodger | OD50.8 × 12m; OD38 × 14m | 2 | 54.5 | 4 |
* Remember to add approximately 2–3 kg (depends on the tube size) for every 0.5 m increase in arch width over the base width you specify.
* 1m of OD 38mm × 2mm wall Stainless Steel Tube is 1.8 kg
Stainless steel tube size and weight (kg) per metre
| Tube Size (Outside Diameter × Wall Thickness) | Weight Per Metre (kg) |
|---|---|
| OD 25.4mm × 1.5mm | 0.94 kg |
| OD 38mm × 2mm | 1.81 kg |
| OD 42.2mm × 2mm | 2.03 kg |
| OD 32mm × 1.5mm | 1.20 kg |
| OD 50.8mm × 2mm | 2.47 kg |
Surface Treatments
Marine Finish Options
Explore our expert marine-grade finish options for Stainless Steel (SS316) and Aluminium products designed to enhance corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetics for your yacht's solar arches and marine metal fabrications.
SS316 Mirror Polished Finish
Achieve a luxurious yacht look with our SS316 mirror polished stainless steel finish. This highly reflective surface is created by refining stainless steel to a bright shine, offering superior resistance to marine corrosion and saltwater exposure. Ideal for premium marine metal fabrications, it requires regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its brilliant appearance and protect against salt deposits and spotting in harsh coastal environments.
SS316 Brushed or Satin Finish
Our brushed or satin SS316 finish delivers a sleek, matte surface with reduced glare and fingerprint visibility. This finish balances aesthetic appeal with enhanced durability, making it a practical choice for marine environments. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and easier upkeep than mirror polish, making it suitable for stainless steel tubular structures exposed to salt spray and constant use on boats and yachts.
Powder Coating (Aluminium & Stainless Steel)
Powder coating provides a robust, UV-resistant colour finish applied to aluminium or stainless steel marine components. This heat-cured protective layer shields against saltwater corrosion, scratches, and fading, extending the lifespan of your marine metal fabrications. Choose from a versatile range of colours to customise your solar arches, stern racks, or other tubular constructions. Regular inspections ensure the coating remains intact, preventing corrosion under chipped areas.
Bare Aluminium Finish
Untreated aluminium naturally develops a protective oxide layer but remains vulnerable to oxidation, white corrosion spots, and surface dulling in marine conditions. Our bare aluminium finish is particularly favoured by many industrial customers who have aluminium hulls and prefer to keep their boat's surface untreated above the waterline. The bare finish is easier to maintain compared to painted or coated surfaces — it does not suffer from peeling or flaking, and can be cleaned readily without special preparation. With regular cleaning and application of marine-grade sealants or wax, the surface remains protected against saltwater corrosion while preserving the metal's raw appearance.
Bare Stainless Steel (SS316, Non-Polished) Finish
Bare 316 stainless steel finish (non-polished) is widely used in marine metal fabrication for yacht solar arches and stern frames due to its superior corrosion resistance and durability in harsh seawater conditions. This marine-grade stainless steel provides long-lasting protection without the need for polishing, making it an ideal, cost-effective choice for structural boat components exposed to saltwater and UV. Its strength and resilience ensure reliable performance for bespoke marine fabrications across sailing boats, motorboats, monohulls, and catamarans.
SS316 Electropolished Finish
Electropolishing is an advanced electrochemical process that smooths and brightens the stainless steel surface by selectively removing a thin layer of material. This finish produces a highly reflective, uniform, and ultra-smooth surface that enhances corrosion resistance beyond standard mechanical polishing. Electropolished SS316 resists saltwater corrosion and bacteria buildup better than other finishes, making it an excellent choice for harsh marine environments where cleanliness and durability are paramount. It also minimises surface imperfections that can trap contaminants or promote staining.
General Maintenance Rules
Applicable to all finishes:
- 1
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after exposure to saltwater to wash away corrosive salt deposits.
- 2
Clean using mild, non-abrasive detergents and soft cloths or sponges to avoid scratching the surface.
- 3
Dry completely after cleaning to prevent water spots and mineral buildup.
- 4
Avoid chlorine-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaners that damage protective layers and encourage corrosion.
- 5
Regularly inspect surfaces for damage or wear; repair chips, scratches, or exposed base metal promptly to maintain corrosion resistance.
Resources
Downloadable Guides & Resources
Access a range of resources to support your journey into marine solar solutions.
Solar Arch Measurements Template & Guide
Review the benefits that solar panels can bring to your yacht's functionality and efficiency.
Download PDFUniversal Arch Installation Guide
Gain insights into our professional installation process for guaranteed performance.
Download PDFRead Our Blog
Dive into the world of marine metal fabrication with us as we share expert tips and trends on crafting solar arches.
Read Our BlogReady to Upgrade Your Yacht?
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