Brass or Bronze?

TonyG13

Been reading a lot (maybe too much) about brass versus bronze below the water line. It started with me wanting to replace the drain plug. I thought it would be simple, but now I'm not too sure.

Seems like most places sell brass plugs, but what I'm reading is you're not supposed to use brass below the waterline, only bronze. And you shouldn't mix brass and bronze.

Then to make things even more complicated some stuff for sale is advertised as "brass bronze."

So my question is what is the plug housing made of on a Rinker - brass or bronze? 'Cuz I guess I'll buy whatever is compatible.

Black_Diamond

Bronze is the preference. 

raybo3

Brass is made of copper and zinc. My guess is the zinc is more likely to get attacked by electrolysis. There for I would assume Bronze would be preferred.

TonyG13

Thanks. What I read is the zinc in the brass causes something called dezincafication which causes the zinc to dissolve and weaken the piece resulting in microscopic holes and possible failure. I ordered bronze.

LaRea

For the drain plug, I doubt it makes much of a difference because there's no stress on the part.  Thru-hulls are a different animal.  Seaworthy (a publication I highly respect) says a definite no to brass: 
 
https://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/magazine/2014/april/whats-below-your-waterline.asp