Sailboat Hardware
Most developments in marine hardware design and manufacture are driven by the needs of racing yachts, so the optimum performance hardware design for winches, for example, is one which will never compromise the strength of the winches to save weight. Advanced materials and traditional materials are all used, bronze winches, and aluminium winches. Chromed bronze or stainless steel winches will outlast aluminium, but for most sailors, with cleaning and greasing, the aluminium winches will last a lifetime.
from: >http://ezinearticles.com/?Sailboat-Hardware&id=6448489
