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avb3 · 28-02-2012, 11:09

Manson's new anchor will be available in powder coating, as well as galvanized and stainless steel.

My understanding of powder coating is that it can either be applied as a decorative finish, or a functional finish.

A decorative one on an anchor would be useless from a corrosion protective perspective.

However, a functional powder coating might work.

Does anyone have any real - world experience with using powder coating as opposed to galvanizing to protect metals in a marine environment? How often do they need to be redone? And what about cost comparisons?

Cruising Couple · 28-02-2012, 11:18

I can only comment that my husband uses both galvanized metals and powder coated metals in his business. There are parts that he elects to take to the powder coater to have them done. I know he is planning to powder coat our winches on our Tartan to protect them from the elements.

avb3 .... I will foward this thread to my husband, Falco, and ask him to reply. He will be able to provide comprehensive information.

Darby

janders · 28-02-2012, 13:46

Here is some photos of the powder coating on the Seaview radar mount we installed 3 years ago. I'm underwhelmed.

Sailmonkey · 28-02-2012, 13:55

Powder coating is nothing other than electrically charged plastic particles attracted to an oppositely charged piece of metal then melted on (in a nutshell). As you can see above it's next to worthless once corrosion gets under it.

Jesse · 28-02-2012, 14:07

My experience with powdercoating is identical to "jander's" and I must agree with "Sailmonkey". The stuff literaly comes off on sheets after 18months use.

cat man do · 28-02-2012, 14:15

My experience in powdercoating on ally is the same as the pictures above.
"Apparently" the way to do it is to anodise first then powdercoat.

God knows why you would bother on an anchor, I would have thought gal would be far cheaper and more wear resistant.

Sailmonkey · 28-02-2012, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat man do

My experience in powdercoating on ally is the same as the pictures above.
"Apparently" the way to do it is to anodise first then powdercoat.

God knows why you would bother on an anchor, I would have thought gal would be far cheaper and more wear resistant.

Some people just can't be seen with an anchor that doesn't match their bootstripe

leftbrainstuff · 28-02-2012, 14:26

Powder coating is wholly unsuitable for use in corrosive environments. It inhibits airflow crucial for building and maintaining the passivated oxide layer which protects aluminium and stainless steels. It also traps moisture and accelerates corrosion of all metals and rusting of ferrous materials.

It also makes inspection very difficult. I would not allow it ony part of my boat.

Cruising Couple · 28-02-2012, 14:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftbrainstuff

Powder coating is wholly unsuitable for use in corrosive environments. It inhibits airflow crucial for building and maintaining the passivated oxide layer which protects aluminium and stainless steels. It also traps moisture and accelerates corrosion of all metals and rusting of ferrous materials.

It also makes inspection very difficult. I would not allow it ony part of my boat.

I don't have any idea if this is correct or not, but s/he sounds smart and speaks with authority.

Darby

osirissail · 28-02-2012, 15:29

I would say "partially correct" - true stainless steel needs oxygen to maintain is surface as does proper marine alloy aluminum. But with steel or bronze it is a whole different thing.

I removed the peeling chrome plating on all my bronze stem pieces, chocks, hause pipes, etc. and had them powder coated black. That was 15 years ago and they are still in very good condition after being in the Caribbean sun all of that time.

For an anchor, which is the OP's specific question - it is probably a steel anchor and whether you powder coat it or galvanize it, you will see those coating cut, scraped and eaten away by the "acid" waters we sail in when in coastal areas or near civilization. Galvanizing on anchor chain lasts about 5 years in the Caribbean and then it is gone and your chain starts to rust. Same with a galvanized anchor.

Powder coating -** if done correctly** (and that is a big "if") will probably last a little longer on an anchor used in sand and grass, but in rocks and coral ????

**Wotname** · 28-02-2012, 15:41

Powder coating in not vapour proof. It easily allows water vapour to migrate through it. This is why it is unsuitable in a marine environment. Epoxy for instance is much more (water) vapour proof.

wolfenzee · 28-02-2012, 15:52

The coating used in galvanization is zinc, it lasts longer than zinc anodes and protects what it is coating in two ways, as a protective coating and as a zinc. There a several ways to re galvanize an anchor, chain etc.

cwyckham · 28-02-2012, 16:08

The powder coated Manson Boss is galvanized and then powder coated (per their website).

It is only meant to look cool, I think. They make no other claims.