Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a Quote (RFQ)

What do you need to quote my part?

The best starting point is a drawing or CAD file (STEP/DXF/PDF), target quantity, material preference (stainless or aluminum), finish requirements, and any critical-to-quality features (holes, bends, mating surfaces). If you don’t have CAD, photos + dimensions + a sample part also works. The more context you give (where it mounts, loads, salt/freshwater), the more accurate the quote.

Can you quote from photos or a sample part?

Yes. If you can send clear photos, key dimensions, and how the part is used, we can often quote from that. For best accuracy on complex geometry, sending a physical sample helps.

Do you support prototypes and first articles?

Yes. We often start with a prototype or first article to validate fit, finish, and function before moving into production runs. That’s how we avoid “surprise problems” after you’ve already committed to a build schedule.

How long does quoting take?

Many quotes are turned around quickly, but timeline depends on complexity, finishing requirements, and whether we need clarifying details. If you include drawings/CAD, quantities, and finish requirements upfront, you’ll get a faster quote.

Do you have minimum order quantities (MOQ)?

It depends on the part and process. Some parts are economical as one-offs; others become cost-effective at small batch quantities. Tell us your target volume and we’ll recommend the smartest approach.

Can you support repeat production runs?

Yes. We build for consistency across repeat orders—same specs, same finish expectations, and predictable reorderability. If you want scheduled releases or blanket POs, we can support that too.

Do you help with DFM (Design for Manufacturability)?

Yes. We’ll flag risk areas early (tight tolerances, hard-to-finish geometry, weld distortion risk, cosmetic hotspots) and suggest changes that reduce cost and improve repeatability—without changing the function.

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Capabilities

What types of custom marine parts do you make most often?

We commonly build brackets, mounts, hinges, tabs, backing plates, rails/subcomponents, structural supports, and assemblies where fit + finish matter. If it’s stainless or aluminum and lives in a marine environment, we’ve likely built something similar.

Do you do both fabrication and machining?

Yes. We support marine metal fabrication and CNC machining so you can source more of the build through one partner. That reduces handoffs, confusion, and tolerance stacking between vendors.

Can you weld stainless and aluminum?

Yes. We fabricate and weld both stainless steel and aluminum parts, depending on design requirements and environment. If you’re not sure which material is best, tell us the use case and we’ll recommend the right option.

Do you build assemblies or only individual components?

Both. We can deliver individual parts or subassemblies depending on what makes your production line easiest. If you want install-ready kits, we can do that too.

Can you do kitting, labeling, and packaging for production installs?

Yes. We can kit parts by model, station, or work order, label them clearly, and package to reduce scratching and sorting time. This is especially helpful for repeat production.

Can you match an existing part exactly?

Often, yes. If you send a sample and the functional requirements, we can replicate it or improve it (better fit, stronger geometry, better corrosion resistance). We’ll confirm what matters most—fit, cosmetics, strength, or cost—and build to that.

Materials & Finishes

What materials do you work with?

Common materials include stainless steel (often 304/316 depending on environment) and aluminum (commonly 6061/6063 depending on requirements). We’ll help you choose based on corrosion exposure, strength needs, cosmetics, and budget.

Should I use 316 or 304 stainless for marine parts?

316 is typically preferred for harsher saltwater exposure; 304 can be appropriate depending on location, usage, and finish protection. If you tell us where the boat lives and how the part is used, we’ll recommend the most practical choice.

What finishes do you offer?

Finish options depend on the part and material, but typically include polished or brushed stainless, and coated/anodized/powder-coated aluminum options as required. If you have a finish standard you must match, share it up front so we can quote accurately.

Can you meet cosmetic finish requirements consistently?

Yes—cosmetic consistency is a big deal in marine. The key is defining the finish expectation clearly (polish level, directional grain, visible surfaces) and confirming it on the first article before production.

Can you provide material certifications?

When available and required, we can support documentation aligned with your spec and purchasing needs. If you need certifications or traceability for a program, tell us at RFQ so we scope it correctly.

Do you use passivation or corrosion-prep steps for stainless?

When a program requires it, we can support corrosion-prep steps aligned with the part’s environment and finish expectations. If you have a specific standard you follow, include it in your RFQ.

Quality & Inspection

How do you control quality on repeat runs?

We validate critical features during first articles and maintain consistency through defined processes and checks. If your parts have CTQs (critical-to-quality requirements), we’ll align inspection around those.

Do you perform first article inspections?

Yes. First articles are how we confirm fit, function, and cosmetic expectations before production. They reduce rework and help lock in repeatability.

Do you use PMI (Positive Material Identification) testing?

Yes. PMI testing verifies chemical composition so alloy mistakes don’t sneak into production. If your program requires verification or documentation, we’ll define that up front.

What tolerances can you hold?

It depends on geometry, material, and process—so we don’t guess. Tell us which features are critical (holes, mating surfaces, alignment points) and we’ll quote with tolerances that are realistic and repeatable.

What happens if a part doesn’t meet spec?

If something is out of spec, we address it quickly—determine root cause, correct the issue, and make it right based on the program’s agreed requirements. The goal is to protect your schedule and your brand.

Lead Times & Shipping

What’s a typical lead time for prototypes?

Prototype lead times depend on complexity, material availability, and finishing requirements. If you share your target date, we’ll tell you what’s realistic and what tradeoffs (cost vs speed) exist.

What’s a typical lead time for production runs?

Production lead time depends on quantity, process steps, and finishing. For repeat orders, lead times are often more predictable once the spec and workflow are locked.

Do you offer rush options?

In some cases, yes. Rush options depend on current capacity and whether finishing steps can be accelerated. Send your deadline with the RFQ so we can advise.

How do you package parts to prevent scratches or shipping damage?

We package based on finish and sensitivity—especially for polished or cosmetic-facing parts—so parts arrive production-ready. If you have specific packaging requirements, we can follow them.

Do you ship nationwide? Can we use our freight account?

Yes. We can ship to your facility, contract manufacturer, or multiple locations depending on your workflow. If you want to use your own freight account or preferred carrier, we can support that.

Orders, Pricing & Payments

How is pricing determined?

Pricing is driven by material, complexity, machining/fabrication time, finishing, inspection requirements, and quantity. If you share target volumes and annual demand, we can structure the quote to fit real production needs.

Do you offer volume price breaks?

Yes—most parts get more cost-effective as quantity increases. We can quote multiple quantity tiers so you can compare options.

Do you charge for tooling, fixtures, or setup?

Some parts require fixtures or setup to hit repeatability and cosmetic consistency. If tooling is needed, we’ll call it out clearly so there are no surprise line items later.

What are your payment terms?

Payment terms depend on the customer relationship and program. We’ll confirm terms during quoting/onboarding so purchasing has what they need.

How do design changes work after approval?

If specs change (dimensions, material, finish, hole locations), we’ll confirm impact on cost, lead time, and repeatability before moving forward. For production programs, locking CTQs early keeps things smooth.

Drawings, NDA & IP

Will you sign an NDA?

Yes—NDAs are common for OEM and new-product work. If you have a standard NDA, send it over and we’ll review.

Who owns the design and drawings?

Typically, your drawings/specs remain yours. If a program requires custom tooling or fixtures, we’ll define ownership and usage clearly in writing.

Can you work from customer-controlled drawings and specs?

Yes. If you provide a controlled drawing package, revision control matters—so we align on the current revision and build to that.

How do you protect sensitive project details?

We limit access to what’s necessary to build the part and keep documentation organized for revision control. If your program requires additional handling, we can align with your requirements.

Warranty & Support

What warranty do you provide?

We provide a 1-year warranty on workmanship for parts built to the agreed specification and used as intended. If a program has special warranty requirements, we’ll align during quoting.

What’s your policy if there’s a fitment issue during install?

If something doesn’t fit as expected, contact us right away with photos and details. We’ll help troubleshoot whether it’s revision mismatch, installation variables, or a part issue—then resolve it quickly based on the agreed spec.

Do you support replacement or emergency production needs?

When possible, yes. If a boat build is stuck waiting on parts, tell us the situation and we’ll advise the fastest path (expedite, partial shipment, alternative approach).