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What’s the difference with marine-rated plastics?

What’s the difference between regular plastic and marine-grade materials? Both types are derived from the same base materials, but that’s where the similarities end. Regular plastics are designed for everyday use, prioritizing affordability and functionality over long-term durability in harsh environments. But the ocean throws everything it has at your gear -relentless sun, corrosive saltwater, and the occasional bump from rogue waves. Here’s what makes them the clear choice for buoys, storage, and bait boards

Marine-grade plastics are specifically formulated to withstand the marine environment. They contain UV inhibitors that act like tiny shields, deflecting the sun’s harmful rays and preventing fading and cracking. Additionally, they are engineered to resist the corrosive nature of saltwater, ensuring your gears stay strong and reliable voyage after voyage. 

Regular plastics can become brittle and break under stress. Marine-grade plastics, on the other hand, are tougher. They have superior impact resistance, meaning they can handle bumps, scrapes, and even minor collisions without breaking a sweat. 

Marine-grade plastics offer a treasure trove of additional benefits that make them perfect for various marine applications.  

Marine-grade plastics are a dream come true for boat owners. They are easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal effort to keep them looking sharp. Plus, their resistance to mould and mildew growth means less scrubbing and more time enjoying the water. Every pound counts on a boat. Marine-grade plastics are lighter than their metal counterparts, translating to better fuel efficiency and overall performance that will allow you to travel farther and faster without sacrificing valuable cargo space.

Certain types of marine-grade plastics have a textured surface that provides excellent grip, even when wet. This is especially important for decks and walkways, preventing slips and falls that could put a damper on your boating adventure. 

Marine grade comes in a vast array of forms, from sheets for building durable storage compartments to fabrics for comfortable seating. This allows for endless customization options, ensuring you can find the perfect marine-grade plastic solutions for any need on your boat, from marine storage and bait boards to plastic buoys and hatches. 

So, next time you’re shopping for boating equipment, look for the “marine-grade” label. Remember, on the water, just like in life, choosing the right tools can make all the difference. Reach out to us if you need help finding the right tools for you. 

Guide to Collecting and Using Rainwater

Whether you live somewhere rural, far from mains water supply, or simply wish to live as sustainable as possible then you might want to collect rainwater. Rainwater is excellent for watering your garden, washing clothes and flushing toilets. If properly treated, rainwater can also be used for drinking.

How to collect and use rainwater

Generally, the simplest way to collect rainwater is by collecting it from your roof. Connecting a small plastic tank to your gutter allows you to store the water that would otherwise go down the drain.

This system can actually get you quite far. A simple plastic barrel at the bottom of your drain is perfect for those looking to use rainwater on their garden. This use case is simple, cheap, and small. However if you plan to use rainwater for more than just your garden, you will soon find this solution to be less than ideal.

The average garden water tank is usually small, holding about 200L – 500L. If you plan on collecting rainwater for indoor supply a much larger tank is required. A 5000L plastic water tank in areas with year round rain, such as Auckland, is perfect. Dryer climates may need a tank larger than 10,000L.

Rainwater Tank Materials

You can buy tanks in all kinds of shapes, sizes and materials. We offer a selection of plastic tanks. However, you can also find concrete and steel tanks on the market. Each offers their own benefits. Such as concrete which is often used for in-ground tanks. Plastic retention tanks however are a common choice for their durability, light weight and low cost.

It is important to note that regardless of what tank you have it will need to be supported by some kind of foundation. 1L of water weighs 1Kg. So, even a 250L tank can become heavy enough to sink into the ground.

There are many different configurations, sizes and types of rainwater collect systems. It is best to consult with a professional before getting to work. However, if you are after some New Zealand designed and made plastic water storage tanks do not hesitate to give us a call on 0800 768 284.