FAQ
FAQ & Resources Section Introduction
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. We continually update this section with expert insights and useful guides to help you get the most from your solar arch and boating experience.
Frequently asked questions
Technical details
To help you choose the perfect solar arch for your boat, here is a detailed technical guide outlining typical materials, tube sizes, weights, and maintanance tips.
How much does the average stainles steel solar arch weigh?
Title | Weight (kg) Tube | 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 | 4.0 |
Dodger | OD50.8 × 12m; OD38 ×14m | 2 | 54.5 | 4.0 |
* 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.
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1m of OD 38mm x 2mm wall Stainless Steel Tube is 1.8kg
Stainless steel tube size and weight (KG) per meter
Tube Size (Outside Diameter x Wall) Thickness | Weight Per Meter (KG) |
|---|---|
OD 25.4mm x 1.5mm | 0.94kg |
OD 38 mm × 2 mm | 1.81kg |
OD 42.2 mm × 2 mm | 2.03kg |
OD 32mm x 1.5mm | 1.2kg |
OD 50.8 mm × 2 mm | 2.47kg |
Marine Stainless Steel and Aluminium Finishes
Marine Stainless Steel and Aluminium 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, tubular constructions, stern arches, roof racks, and other 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 for Aluminium and Stainless Steel
Powder coating provides a robust, UV-resistant color 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 colors to customize 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 favored by many industrial customers who have aluminium hulls and prefer to keep their boat’s surface untreated above the waterline. This preference arises because 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. Additionally, bare aluminium tends to accumulate less contamination such as marine growth, dirt, or paint degradation residues, which can affect coatings over time. The natural oxide layer acts as an effective barrier, and 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. This approach offers a practical balance of durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental resistance, making it a popular choice for industrial applications where ease of maintenance and long-term performance are critical.
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.
Bare Stainless Steel (SS316, Non-Polished) Finish
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 minimizes surface imperfections that can trap contaminants or promote staining, contributing to easier maintenance and a long-lasting premium appearance.
General Maintenance Rules (Applicable to All Finishes)
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Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after exposure to saltwater to wash away corrosive salt deposits.
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Clean using mild, non-abrasive detergents and soft cloths or sponges to avoid scratching the surface.
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Dry completely after cleaning to prevent water spots and mineral buildup.
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Avoid chlorine-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaners that damage protective layers and encourage corrosion.
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Regularly inspect surfaces for damage or wear; repair chips, scratches, or exposed base metal promptly to maintain corrosion resistance.
Downloadable Guides & Resources
Access a range of resources to support your journey into marine solar solutions.