Hardware

Hardware for Every Vessel, Vehicle & Application

Whether you're refitting a coastal cruiser, maintaining a work truck, or upgrading a recreational boat, having the right hardware is the difference between a job done right and a job done twice. Hardware encompasses the essential fasteners, fittings, rails, steps, and structural components that hold everything together — both literally and figuratively. From the rub rail that protects your hull's gelcoat to the wiper blade that keeps your windshield clear in a downpour, these are the parts that enable safe, reliable, and comfortable use of your equipment day after day.

This broad category covers everything from hardware parts & accessories — the nuts, bolts, hinges, latches, and brackets that form the backbone of any build or repair — to specialized marine and automotive products engineered for the most demanding environments. Corrosion resistance, UV stability, and load-bearing strength are all critical considerations when selecting hardware, especially in saltwater or high-vibration applications. Understanding the materials (stainless steel vs. aluminum vs. chrome-plated brass, for instance) and the intended load ratings will help you choose components that last for the long haul.

Top Hardware Subcategories

The hardware category spans a wide range of product types. Windshield wiper blades & arms are among the most frequently replaced maintenance items for any vehicle or vessel with an enclosed helm, and choosing the right blade profile and arm attachment type ensures clear sightlines in rain, spray, or snow. Rub rails & inserts protect the hull-to-deck joint from dock strikes and abrasion while giving a boat a finished, professional look. For getting on and off your boat safely, boarding ladders and boarding steps provide secure footing at the swim platform, transom, or dock — critical safety equipment for swimmers, anglers, and casual cruisers alike.

Leading Hardware Brands

Bosch is a globally recognized name in precision-engineered components, and their hardware offerings — particularly wiper systems — reflect decades of innovation and exacting quality standards trusted by OEM manufacturers and aftermarket installers worldwide.

Taco Metals has been a cornerstone of the marine hardware industry since 1959. A trusted name in the marine industry, Taco Marine products stand out for their exceptional durability, precision engineering, and innovative designs, integrating advanced manufacturing techniques to produce stainless steel and aluminum components that exceed industry standards. Their rub rails and marine fabrication hardware are particularly well regarded by both OEM boat builders and aftermarket customers.

Sea-Dog Line brings a storied legacy to the hardware aisle. Sea-Dog Corporation manufactures marine hardware and has been incorporated since 1903, based in Everett, Washington. With more than a century of boating-industry experience, Sea-Dog designs durable gear for recreational and commercial boaters, and even has an ABYC-certified marine technician on staff to support technical and installation questions.

Perko is one of the most enduring names in marine hardware. Since its inception in 1907, Perko has grown into a fifth-generation, American marine manufacturer known for high-quality marine lighting, deck hardware, and emissions-compliant fuel-system components for recreational and commercial boats. Their catalog includes more than 1,000 products covering everything from navigation lights and battery switches to cleats, hinges, and specialized fuel valves.

Dometic is a global leader in engineered products for mobile living and marine applications. Known for climate control, sanitation, and refrigeration systems, Dometic also produces a robust line of hardware components — including boarding steps and integrated marine accessories — built to meet the demands of both recreational and commercial marine environments.

What to Look for When Shopping Hardware

• Material compatibility: Match metals carefully to avoid galvanic corrosion — stainless steel and aluminum require isolation hardware in many marine installations.
• Load ratings: Boarding ladders and steps must be rated for the expected user weight; never exceed the manufacturer's specified capacity.
• Finish durability: Opt for marine-grade or UV-resistant finishes in outdoor and saltwater environments to extend service life.
• Fitment: Measure existing mounting holes, rail diameters, and hull thickness before ordering replacement hardware to ensure a direct fit.