So how do I tell brass from bronze? Usually brass fittings and hose barbs are more yellow in color and more often a "machined" finish rather than a "sand cast" finish. Marine bronze does not really like to be machined so it is most often left in "sand cast" finish. Bronze is also usually more of a deep goldish color rather than on the yellow side.


When in doubt ask your chandlery. Most every fitting can be found in bronze but you need to be diligent in sourcing it. I often hear folks say that pipe nipples are not available in bronze, only red brass. While red brass is far better than yellow brass in the world of corrosion resistance, true bronze nipples are available from Groco. They are the only manufacturer I know of making them.


Here's a very good hint on how to tell if it is bronze or brass; If you bought it at Home Depot or Lowes it is NOT marine bronze...