Plastic Materials for Boating & Marine Grade Materials

Marine grade plastics are plastic materials designed to withstand marine environments. Generally impervious to saltwater and moisture, these plastics are durable, UV-resistant, lightweight, and capable of handling extreme temperatures that more traditional materials like wood cannot. Marine grade plastics such as HDPE marine board will not rot, chip, rust, or delaminate, and are easier to clean. They require lower maintenance than wood or metal and don't need to be repainted or stained. Marine grade plastics are used throughout the construction of boats and in other marine applications as part of decks, cabinetry, walkways, or windows.

Materials for boats and marine applications fall under NAICS #237990, 332312, 336611, and 336612 as well as SIC #3731 and 3732.

• [Extruded ABS Datasheet]
• [Machine Grade ABS Datasheet]
• [FRP Datasheet]
• [HDPE Datasheet]
• [Expanded PVC Datasheet]

Plastics designed or rated for marine use are typically the best for marine applications due to their excellent weatherability, durability, resistance to chemicals, and general UV resistance. HDPE marine board and marine grade polycarbonate are two types of plastics made for different applications in marine environments ranging from windows and windshields to cabinetry, decking, and walkways.

Marine grade HDPE, also known as HDPE marine board, is a lightweight and tough thermoplastic designed for harsh marine environments. Featuring excellent weatherability and resistance to salt water, UV rays, and many chemicals, HDPE marine board is a durable alternative to wood for marine applications and will not rot, swell, delaminate, or absorb water.

Marine grade polycarbonate is polycarbonate specifically designed for use in marine environments. In addition to polycarbonate's impressive impact strength and clarity, marine grade polycarbonate is resistant to UV exposure, saltwater, and extreme weather. Unlike general purpose polycarbonate, marine grade polycarbonate resists scratching and cracking. Marine grade polycarbonate is typically used in windows, windshields, and other areas of boats or marine applications where transparency and impact strength are important.

HDPE marine board is a common material in boat construction and general marine structures due to its high strength and durability, comparatively light weight when compared to metal, moisture and water resistance, and ease of maintenance. More specialized grades of marine board add additional properties, such as enhanced wear resistance or anti-slip properties.