Fastener Guide / Technical Reference

Marine and Coastal Fastener Selection

Salt water attacks most fastener materials. 316 stainless is the commercial default for marine and coastal work; carbon steel with any coating is a timed solution.

Last reviewed 2026-09-10 · Governing standard: ASTM F593-24 / ISO 3506 (stainless); application practice · reference FG-3885E7 · Report an error on this sheet

Material ranking for salt exposure

MaterialSalt-water performanceNotes
Plain / zinc-plated steelPoorRusts in weeks to months
Hot-dip galvanized steelFairYears, depends on exposure
304 stainlessFairPits and tea-stains in chlorides
316 stainlessGoodStandard marine choice
Nickel alloys (Monel)Very goodSevere service

These tables carry the same figures as the printed sheet below.

The printed sheet

Marine and Coastal Fastener Selection

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Text version of this sheet

Application guide · boats, docks and coastal equipment

FIELD IDENTIFICATION

What it is

Salt water attacks most fastener materials. 316 stainless is the commercial default for marine and

coastal work; carbon steel with any coating is a timed solution.

MFG

316

316 stainless is the usual marine choice

Material ranking for salt exposure

Material

Salt-water performance

Notes

Plain / zinc-plated steel

Poor

Rusts in weeks to months

Hot-dip galvanized steel

Fair

Years, depends on exposure

304 stainless

Fair

Pits and tea-stains in chlorides

316 stainless

Good

Standard marine choice

Nickel alloys (Monel)

Very good

Severe service

Key points

Crevice corrosion attacks stainless where it is wet and starved of oxygen, under washers and in tight joints.

Avoid galvanic couples: stainless in aluminum needs isolation.

Governing standards: ASTM F593-24 / ISO 3506 (stainless); application practice. Editions shown are the latest confirmed as of September 2026. The drawing and the governing

standard always take precedence over this sheet.

torquing any fastener. Verify the current governing standard, project documents, OEM requirements, size, thread, coating and lot certification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Fastener App disclaims liability

arising from reliance on this reference.

Fastener Guide reference FG-3885E7 · thefastenerapp.com/fastener-guide/technical-reference/marine-and-coastal-fastener-selection · © The Fastener App. Reference only — verify the current governing standard, drawing and manufacturer data before specifying or installing.

Related sheets

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Share of the rep’s business

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Brunswick Galvanizing Inc.14.6%
Talleyrand Signs LLC8.0%
Mayport Tool & Die Inc.7.8%
Eagle Mechanical LLC7.2%
Premier Electric Group5.9%
Tallahassee Packaging LLC3.7%
Coastal Maintenance Group3.3%
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CustomerHours a monthHours a week
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Premier Electric Group10.22.4
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Coastal Maintenance Group5.71.3
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