Choosing the Right Bronze for Marine Applications

Seawater changes everything

Saltwater attacks bronze alloys unevenly. Picking the right grade is the difference between years of service and a seized fitting.

The practical map

• C95800 nickel-aluminium bronze — the default for seawater duty: propeller shafts, rudder stocks, pump internals, deck crane pivots. Best corrosion resistance of the common grades.
• C51100 phosphor bronze — excellent in seawater with lower strength; ideal for lighter bushings, springs and electrical fittings.
• C93200 / C93700 — economical general-purpose bronzes for protected or freshwater positions; use with caution in direct seawater contact.

Design notes

• Allow generous clearance in seawater service — corrosion products and fouling need room.
• Specify grooves for water flushing on slow-speed, high-load pivots.
• Ask for material certificates — grade confusion is the most common field failure cause.

We deliver

C95800, C51100, C93200 and C93700 bushings, cast and machined in-house, with certificates and dimensional reports for every export order.