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That's what midshipmen are for! Polish it! I was on bell-polishing detail on the Pride II one day many years ago. It's surprising how fast the brass needs a touch-up, and how beautiful it looks when it is done.
Of course, this is a "do as I say, not as I do." I've got six brass belaying pins on my boat, and the last time they were bright was when I bought them....
Here's another way ..... I have nearly the same binnacle on my Ty37. I flat sand down to 1500 grit level and then power (fabric wheel) buff to highly polish it (using jewelers rouge) ... and then overcoat with 5-6 coats of clear 2-part acrylic-urethane (SignatureFinish.com: 'Honey Teak' - Clear). This results in a brilliant shine on the bronze that lasts 5-6+ years. (The Honey Teak finish on the exterior teak lasts 8-10++ years, with only a 'scratch-up' with 3M Purple Pad, then clear coat every 2-3 years.)
At present, the eventual degradation of the coating on the bronze apparently occurs through trapped moisture from the 'underside' / inside of the binnacle/portlights to the outer surface that 'creeps' to the outer surface along the edges; so, next time I do this I will coat also the internal / 'underside' surfaces near any 'edges' in the hope that I can extend the coating life to 10-12 years. I do, and will do, this with my bronze port-light frames when I remove and reseal/recaulk them.
I would think and presume that the modern 2-part catalyzed clear overcoats used on hand-sanded and highly polished concours automobiles would also be suitable.
I dont have a clear pic of the binnacle, but here's a pic that also shows what the polished bronze portlight frames look like. The binnacle is 'hiding' behind that maroon deck seat, just partly visible:
I can understand that chrome would be lower maintenance, but the bronze looks so nice. I even prefer it with the patina over chrome but I understand not every one like the "rustic" look.
The base of our binnacle is chrome and the compass cover is brass, like yours. I've often thought of chroming it, but the thought of the reflection from the sun at certain times of the day (especially when I'm on the helm) might make me really sorry I did. Of course it would look better, but practicality wise, I'm not sure it makes sense.
Chrome has no place on a boat. In a relatively short time regular chrome will start to pit & peel. A high quality job will last a little longer before it starts to pit & peel.
Thanks for the replies. In the olden days I polished it. When crew made a few too many faux pas then it was polishing the binnacle time for them. Now I just issue jug fines or beer fines. I do like the salty look. I'll have to sleep on this one for a bit.
Probably bronze, it was never easy to polish or get it to stay shinny. I never completed my polishing apprenticeship either. I must be allergic to Brasso. Sandpaper is giving me fits these days too. Aloof--my crew says do you want to eat good Thai food or have me polishing? I'd rather eat.
^She just made you an offer, polish the binnacle for a killer Thai dinner or two. She said one meal wouldn't cover it. So Red snapper wrapped in banana leaves on the BBQ or maybe chili crab cakes? I'll shout a Singha or two.
Good offer...as my cook has gone on holiday to the PI...and you are downwind of me. However there are a half dozen tropical depressions, or worse, betwixt us.
No way chrome. Looks cheap. Almost made in Taiwan look. You have a fine bronze binnacle with candle illumination. How cool is that? Don't start looking production now. Next thing you know you will be lowering your stanchions to 24"
I've used brasso before on my ships bell. When I used it, it was a BIG improvement over how it looked when I got the boat. Then, more recently, I decided to try Collinite Metal Wax and brought it a nice mirror shine. Still needs some touch ups once in a while but it still looks a lot better than before. I think it would do wonders on that binnacle. I've also used it to polish stainless bolts to a nice shine too.
Oh and the metal wax doesn't have that horrible smell like brasso.
Here's the before (with brasso) and after of the bell.
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