[Unspecified model year] 320 VANTAGE Metal Hinge Specifications

[swmccon]

Q1: what are the specifications for a replacement metal hinge used on the live well of a 320 VANTAGE?

BACKSTORY: I want to replace a metal hinge on the live wellI of my [unspecified model year] 320 VANTAGE that has rusted. The owner's manual does provide the specifications for the hinge. The metal of the hinge appears to be stainless steel.

[Moderator's note: removed survey question that sought to discover the number of people who know the specifications.]

[Moderator's note: moved to THE GAM as the post seeks information on sources of part specifications.]

[Moderator's note: when seeking advice please always include the model year of the Boston Whaler boat, in addition to its model designator and length.]

[Jefecinco]

Consider checking with your closest dealer.

[jimh]

Since you plan on replacing the original hinge, I don't think your actual goal is to get the specifications for the part so you can make a replacement part yourself. I think your actual goal is to purchase a replacement part, so all you really need is the manufacturer's name and the manufacturer's part designation number (to buy from someone other than Boston Whaler), or the Boston Whaler part number (to buy from a Boston Whaler dealer).

Also, the lack of the specifications in the owner's manual is not particularly surprising, as I greatly doubt that Boston Whaler made the hinge themselves in their factory. For a part like a hinge used on a boat, Boston Whaler would typically have used a consumer-off-the-shelf (COTS) product. On that basis you can very likely replace the OEM part with another consumer-off-the-shelf product.

It is also very likely you could obtain a replacement part from Boston Whaler via an authorized Boston Whaler dealer, and if the boat is a recently purchased boat, you can probably get the replacement part at no cost or at very little cost as a goodwill gesture--which considering the MSRP of a 320 VANTAGE was probably around a million dollars, a $10 hinge ought to be a gimme.

If you could learn the name of the actual manufacturer of the hinge--perhaps from Boston Whaler customer service--you might be able to buy a hinge from a distributor or retailer that handles that manufacturer's products.

But the most direct and straightforward approach--if you are the original buyer of the boat--is to contact the authorized Boston Whaler that sold the boat and inquire about a replacement.

If you are not the original buyer of the boat then the original selling dealer might not be as likely to be interested in establishing goodwill with you, so you can just contact a Boston Whaler authorized dealer that is well-known for being interested in supporting Boston Whaler owners by selling them replacement parts.

There are two such dealers that are continually endorsed for their positive help in locating parts for Boston Whaler boats, and here are links that will allow you to contact them:

Contact Information for Sue Lodel for Boston Whaler Parts
https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewto ... 51&p=46706

NAUSET MARINE Contact Information
https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewto ... 91&p=47111

[swmccon]

I will check out [the suggested sources for buying a replacement hinge mentioned above].

And, yes, I'm not looking to create my own hinge.

;-)

[jimh]

If you cannot find a manufacturer's name and part number, you might find something useful from a supplier GEMLUX.

See: https://gemlux.com/collections/boat-hinges

also check with

SPECIALTY MARINE
https://www.specialtymarine.com/collections/stainless-hardware

I don't know for certain if the hinge you have now is actually stainless steel. It was common for hinges to be made from brass and chrome plated. Chrome plated brass hinges are probably less expensive but won't have the resistance to rust as great as stainless steel.

[jimh]

If you happen to speak to Boston Whaler customer service, please offer some remarks about how well they solved your problem in a follow-up post.

[Tom Hemphill]

Chrome plated brass hinges are probably less expensive but won't have the resistance to rust as great as stainless steel.

Brass and chrome do not contain iron, so they will not rust. Stainless steel, however, is just rust-resistant.