Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel Folding Door Hinges for Yachts

Product Specification

High-polished Marine And Yacht Folding Door Hinges For Boats, Stainless Steel Hinges

Product Overview: Premium High-Polished 316 Stainless Steel Folding Door Hinges for Marine & Yachts

Elevate the aesthetic and functionality of your vessel with our premium-grade folding door hinges, engineered explicitly for the demanding marine environment. Crafted from superior AISI 316/L (Marine-Grade) stainless steel, these hinges offer unparalleled resistance to saltwater corrosion, pitting, and rust, ensuring flawless operation and a brilliant appearance for years to come.

The cornerstone of their design is a robust folding mechanism, allowing doors and panels to open fully and fold back compactly—a critical feature for optimizing space on board yachts and boats. Each hinge undergoes meticulous CNC machining for perfect alignment and a seamless fit, followed by a multi-stage polishing process that achieves a stunning, mirror-like finish. This combination of superior materials, intelligent engineering, and exquisite craftsmanship results in a hardware component that is as reliable as it is beautiful, providing smooth, quiet, and dependable performance in every condition.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Manufactured from AISI 316 Stainless Steel, offering maximum protection against saltwater, sea spray, and harsh marine atmospheres.
• Space-Saving Folding Design: The innovative folding mechanism allows doors to open 180 degrees and fold back neatly, saving crucial deck or cabin space.
• Stunning Mirror Polished Finish: Hand-finished to a high-luster, non-reflective mirror polish that enhances the luxury appeal of any yacht and is easy to clean and maintain.
• Superior Strength & Durability: Precision machined from solid stainless steel bar stock, ensuring high tensile strength, no porosity, and a long service life under load.
• Reliable & Silent Operation: Engineered with tight tolerances and high-quality components for smooth, wobble-free, and quiet movement, trip after trip.
• Designed for the Marine Environment: Every aspect, from the material choice to the design, is focused on overcoming the challenges of moisture, salt, and constant motion.

Specifications:

• Material: AISI 316 (DIN 1.4401) / 316L (DIN 1.4404) Stainless Steel
• Finish: High-Polished (Mirror Finish), Passivated for enhanced corrosion resistance
• Type: Folding/Stacking Hinge
• Mounting: Countersunk for a flush, sleek installation
• Compatibility: Designed for teak doors, aluminum frames, and other marine construction materials.

Product Specifications: High-Polished Marine Grade Folding Door Hinges

1. General Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Category 1: Material & Corrosion Resistance

Q1: Why is 316 stainless steel necessary for marine hinges? Why not use the more common 304?
A: AISI 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, a key element that dramatically increases its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion caused by saltwater and chlorides. While AISI 304 is adequate for inland or non-marine uses, 316 ("Marine-Grade") is the essential standard for any hardware exposed to harsh marine environments to ensure it remains rust-free and retains its structural integrity.

Q2: What is passivation, and why is it important?
A: Passivation is a critical post-production chemical process that removes free iron particles from the surface of the stainless steel left behind during machining. This process restores the protective oxide layer, significantly enhancing the hinge's inherent corrosion resistance and preventing surface rust (tea-staining) that can mar the appearance.

Q3: Will the mirror polish finish rust or tarnish over time?
A: When made from proper 316 stainless and passivated, the hinge itself is highly resistant to rust. The high-polish finish is not only for aesthetics but is also functional: its smooth, non-porous surface makes it easier for water to sheet off and makes it more difficult for salt and contaminants to adhere, simplifying maintenance.

Category 2: Design & Functionality

Q4: What is the main advantage of a folding hinge design?
A: The folding (or stacking) mechanism allows a door to open 180 degrees and then fold back compactly against itself or the frame. This is crucial on boats and yachts where space is extremely limited, as it prevents the door from swinging into passageways, cabins, or deck areas, maximizing usable space.

Q5: What is the weight capacity of your hinges?
A: The safe working load (SWL) depends on the specific model and size (e.g., standard, heavy-duty). Crucially, the load rating is also determined by the number of hinges used (always use a minimum of two or three per door), the quality of the installation, and the base material. Please refer to our Specifications Table for estimated load ratings per hinge. For critical applications, we strongly recommend consulting a marine engineer to calculate the exact requirements.

Q6: Are these hinges designed for use on teak doors?
A: Yes, absolutely. The mounting plates are designed to be installed on various materials common in marine construction, including teak, fiberglass with core materials, aluminum, and stainless steel panels. Using the correct drilling techniques and sealant is essential to prevent water ingress, especially in wood.

Category 3: Installation & Maintenance

Q7: What type of screws should I use for installation?
A: You must use AISI 316 stainless steel screws to match the hinge. Using a lower grade (like 304 or, worse, zinc-plated steel) will cause galvanic corrosion, where the inferior metal will corrode rapidly and can even damage the hinge itself. We recommend using countersunk machine screws for a flush fit.

Q8: What is the best practice for installing these hinges to prevent water leakage?
A: Proper installation is key to longevity:

1. Sealant: Use a high-quality marine-grade sealant (e.g., polysulfide or polyurethane) on the screw threads and on the back of the hinge plate before mounting.

2. Pilot Holes: Drill correct-sized pilot holes to prevent splitting (in teak) or damaging core materials (in fiberglass).

3. Avoid Overtightening: Overtightening can gall the stainless steel threads and compress the sealant too much, breaking the waterproof barrier.

Q9: How do I maintain the mirror polish finish?
A: Routine cleaning with fresh water and a mild soap solution is usually sufficient. For removing salt residue or light oxidation, use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner or a non-abrasive polish designed for marine use. Avoid harsh abrasive pads or cleaners, as they will scratch the polished surface.

Category 4: Ordering & Customization

Q10: Can I request a sample before placing a large order?
A: Yes, we encourage it. We offer sample orders so you can verify the quality, finish, and function for your specific application. Please contact our sales team to arrange a sample.

Q11: Do you offer custom sizes or finishes?
A: Yes. As a specialist in CNC machining, we frequently work with clients on custom projects. We can customize:

• Dimensions (length, width, plate thickness)

• Screw hole patterns and quantities

• Special finishes (e.g., a satin brush polish)

• Please provide your drawings or specifications for a quotation.

Q12: What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: Our standard MOQ is low for stock sizes, typically starting at 1000 pieces, suitable for boat builders and retrofit projects. For custom-designed hinges, the MOQ will be determined by the specific requirements.