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Author Topic:   Chrome Plating

Binkster posted 07-21-2014 10:40 AM ET (US)
My custom 15-footer is nearing completion. I am about to order new a stainless set of three bow or stern lifting eyes (six pieces), and new stainless rail stanchions(12 pieces), at a total cost with shipping about $280 from Specialty Marine.
I don't have any experience in having parts chrome plated. There are total 18 small parts to be plated. there are three or four plating shops in Tampa and St. Pete, about an hour drive away. Do you think it would be worth my while to check out the costs for plating these parts.
rich

Plotman posted 07-21-2014 01:43 PM ET (US)
Call a motorcycle shop and get their recommendation.
contender posted 07-21-2014 02:15 PM ET (US)
Plot is correct, but any of the three places should be able to do the job. If you are not happy just tell them to redo it. I have not had anything chromeplating [done] in a lone time but I know it is not cheap. Also, depending on the part, some areas may not get a good job like a factory plate job. Ask about each part before you leave them to be done. Good luck
Tom C posted 07-26-2014 10:09 AM ET (US)
Binkster, I am also reworking a 15ft. SS. Mine is a 1988 and was in pretty rough shape when bought. I took the stern light holder to a bike shop yesterday to be rechromed. Will let you know the cost and quality when I get it back. I also looked at the stainless at Specialty Marine and may go that way for the bow light. This way I will have a comparison. By the way, I took your advice on the Abralon buffing pads and are using them now. Good luck on your progress.
zotcha posted 07-26-2014 11:00 AM ET (US)
Rich, before you pull the trigger with Marine Specialties, google "Fred, CMI, Hingham, Massachusetts". Make sure you are comparing 316 grade stainless steel. Has all true rail fittings, and I believe the D rings as well.
A non boating friend of mine attempted to PULL bow of my 15 up on the trailer by the Marine Specialties bow chock and LIGHT! Separated just below the rope grooved "Shiv?". Shortly there after light broke free of shiv because the shit screws had disintegrated due to rust.
I promised my original to Tom W Clark prior to diagnosis, but would seriously consider having original rechromed. He swears by someone out his way, in Washington state?
Best of luck. Trying to sell my 1982 to neighbors in Hernando Beach. $12 invested, not sure she's worth $8500, which is about what I need for an F70, to complete the 1988 15.
Whats wrong with us???
zotcha
Binkster posted 07-26-2014 02:17 PM ET (US)
Here is the bow light I bought and installed. Don't see anything wrong with it at all. They also sell the modern (2003) version for about $40 more.

http://www.marinepartdepot.com/newstoldstbo.html
rich
Binkster posted 07-26-2014 02:33 PM ET (US)
Zot,
I'm going to sell my 13 footer shortly, and will list it on Boat Trader. Folks around here want bargains with a lifetime guarantee. Most don't know a Whaler from a Bayliner, check out the ramp at Bayport on a weekend, LOL
Maybe I'm just a boat snob.
rich
zotcha posted 07-26-2014 04:00 PM ET (US)
Rich, can you email me your number? Thanks.
zotcha@hargray.com
Jamesgt727 posted 07-28-2014 03:35 PM ET (US)
Bink, the stuff from Specialty Marine is fine "as is", I did ask for scratch free units, and they packaged them individually from me. I've bought three sets, all are still perfect.
Jamesgt727 posted 07-28-2014 03:44 PM ET (US)
I almost forgot, don't bother trying to electroplate/polish the stainless, I had both of my stainless anchors electro-polished and the quality of the stainless (of the anchors) was questionable for a flawless result. If I had to do it all over again, I would have just used some stainless cleaner/polish.
Binkster posted 07-28-2014 11:26 PM ET (US)
James, you're right, plating stainless doesn't make sense.
rich

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Author	Topic: Chrome Plating
Binkster	posted 07-21-2014 10:40 AM ET (US) My custom 15-footer is nearing completion. I am about to order new a stainless set of three bow or stern lifting eyes (six pieces), and new stainless rail stanchions(12 pieces), at a total cost with shipping about $280 from Specialty Marine. I don't have any experience in having parts chrome plated. There are total 18 small parts to be plated. there are three or four plating shops in Tampa and St. Pete, about an hour drive away. Do you think it would be worth my while to check out the costs for plating these parts. rich
Plotman	posted 07-21-2014 01:43 PM ET (US) Call a motorcycle shop and get their recommendation.
contender	posted 07-21-2014 02:15 PM ET (US) Plot is correct, but any of the three places should be able to do the job. If you are not happy just tell them to redo it. I have not had anything chromeplating [done] in a lone time but I know it is not cheap. Also, depending on the part, some areas may not get a good job like a factory plate job. Ask about each part before you leave them to be done. Good luck
Tom C	posted 07-26-2014 10:09 AM ET (US) Binkster, I am also reworking a 15ft. SS. Mine is a 1988 and was in pretty rough shape when bought. I took the stern light holder to a bike shop yesterday to be rechromed. Will let you know the cost and quality when I get it back. I also looked at the stainless at Specialty Marine and may go that way for the bow light. This way I will have a comparison. By the way, I took your advice on the Abralon buffing pads and are using them now. Good luck on your progress.
zotcha	posted 07-26-2014 11:00 AM ET (US) Rich, before you pull the trigger with Marine Specialties, google "Fred, CMI, Hingham, Massachusetts". Make sure you are comparing 316 grade stainless steel. Has all true rail fittings, and I believe the D rings as well. A non boating friend of mine attempted to PULL bow of my 15 up on the trailer by the Marine Specialties bow chock and LIGHT! Separated just below the rope grooved "Shiv?". Shortly there after light broke free of shiv because the shit screws had disintegrated due to rust. I promised my original to Tom W Clark prior to diagnosis, but would seriously consider having original rechromed. He swears by someone out his way, in Washington state? Best of luck. Trying to sell my 1982 to neighbors in Hernando Beach. $12 invested, not sure she's worth $8500, which is about what I need for an F70, to complete the 1988 15. Whats wrong with us??? zotcha
Binkster	posted 07-26-2014 02:17 PM ET (US) Here is the bow light I bought and installed. Don't see anything wrong with it at all. They also sell the modern (2003) version for about $40 more. http://www.marinepartdepot.com/newstoldstbo.html rich
Binkster	posted 07-26-2014 02:33 PM ET (US) Zot, I'm going to sell my 13 footer shortly, and will list it on Boat Trader. Folks around here want bargains with a lifetime guarantee. Most don't know a Whaler from a Bayliner, check out the ramp at Bayport on a weekend, LOL Maybe I'm just a boat snob. rich
zotcha	posted 07-26-2014 04:00 PM ET (US) Rich, can you email me your number? Thanks. zotcha@hargray.com
Jamesgt727	posted 07-28-2014 03:35 PM ET (US) Bink, the stuff from Specialty Marine is fine "as is", I did ask for scratch free units, and they packaged them individually from me. I've bought three sets, all are still perfect.
Jamesgt727	posted 07-28-2014 03:44 PM ET (US) I almost forgot, don't bother trying to electroplate/polish the stainless, I had both of my stainless anchors electro-polished and the quality of the stainless (of the anchors) was questionable for a flawless result. If I had to do it all over again, I would have just used some stainless cleaner/polish.
Binkster	posted 07-28-2014 11:26 PM ET (US) James, you're right, plating stainless doesn't make sense. rich