Marine and outdoor hardware live in the toughest environment a washer can face: saltwater, constant UV, ozone and temperature swings. Pick the wrong rubber and it cracks within a season.
What marine washers are up against
- Saltwater corrosion and constant moisture
- Relentless UV and ozone exposure
- Wide temperature swings
Best materials for marine and outdoor use
EPDM is the top pick — it shrugs off UV, ozone and water indefinitely. Neoprene is a strong all-round alternative with good weather and moderate oil resistance. Avoid natural rubber outdoors, since sunlight and ozone degrade it quickly.
Typical uses
Deck fittings, hatches, railings, bilge hardware, outdoor lighting, fencing and solar mounts all benefit from a weather-resistant rubber washer to seal out water and dampen vibration.
See the full material guide for temperature and chemical details, then shop weatherproof washers by size.