Marelon Through-Hulls: Why They’re Worth Reconsidering

Don't dismiss plastic through-hulls outright—Marelon composites are a different breed entirely, with a proven track record and compelling advantages that may make them the smarter choice for your boat.

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Are Marelon through-hulls a good modern replacement for bronze or a failure waiting to happen? Common refrains are: “Okay above the waterline if you want to save money and weight, but I want bronze below the waterline,” or “Through-hulls are too important to the ship’s safety to save money on, fit bronze.” Is there a basis to this skepticism when it comes to “plastic” through-hulls? For example, do they have a record of failure? Have people used them and had problems or might this just be prejudice against new innovations?

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Roland Stockham got his start sailing Olympic-class 470s and Finns in his native England. He started his journey as a voyager crewing for yacht owners sailing to Europe because he was handy at diesel repair. His first cruising boat was a 26-ft. Folkboat with no engine. He lives in British Columbia and sails a 35-ft. Colin Archer design. He is a Royal Yachting Association certified Yacht Master and is qualified to make trans-oceanic deliveries.