When you're upgrading boat deck hardware and seating covers, you face a bigger decision than just picking out new parts. One route takes you to a rare NOS Wilcox Chittenden set of chrome deck fittings with a mid-century look. The other leads to a simple set of black nylon deck hinges for a bimini top. Both are sold as new, but they're meant for completely different projects. This head-to-head breaks down what each set offers, where one wins over the other, and which one belongs on your boat.
Quick Verdict
If you want a piece of boating history for a restoration or a display case, the NOS Wilcox Chittenden fittings at USD 275.00 are the clear choice. If you want a functional hinge to mount a bimini top, the black nylon bimini hinge set at USD 10.99 is the smarter everyday option. The decision really comes down to whether you value original mid-century chrome or modern nylon.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Wilcox Chittenden Deck Fittings | Black Nylon Bimini Hinges |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 275.00 | USD 10.99 |
| Condition | New old stock | New |
| Finish / Material | Triple-plated chrome | Black nylon |
| Includes | Deck fittings in original display box | 2 deck hinges with stainless-steel screws |
| Best for | Display and restoration | Mounting bimini tops |
Where Each Product Wins
- Wilcox Chittenden wins for vintage appeal. These fittings are never installed and feature a chrome finish from the late 1950s or early 1960s. They come from a marine dealership's old stock, which makes them a rare opportunity for someone restoring a classic boat or building a display.
- Black nylon deck hinge set wins for practical installation. Each hinge features a flat base for deck mounting and is built from rust-free, impact-resistant nylon. That makes installation straightforward on a pontoon boat bimini top.
Product Notes
NOS Marine Hardware Boat Wilcox Chittenden Deck Fittings
Made in the United States and described as brand new old stock, these Wilcox Chittenden fittings look like they're from the late 1950s or early 1960s. They're never installed, finished in triple-plated chrome, and come in their original display box after spending time in marine dealership storage. That makes them a strong choice for a restoration project or for displaying in a workshop. The flip side is that the set is meant for someone who appreciates vintage hardware: it needs a polish before use, and the contents aren't matched to a specific modern application. If you're restoring a classic boat and want a conversation piece, this is the lot. If you're simply replacing a bimini hinge, you'll be paying for history rather than everyday utility.
Black Nylon Bimini Deck Hinges
These deck hinges are specifically made for bimini tops on most pontoon boats. Each hinge has a flat base for deck mounting, and the black nylon body resists rust and absorbs the kind of impact you get when a top is folded up and down. Stainless-steel screws are included, so you don't need to dig through your spare hardware for fasteners. The limitation is that this is a functional replacement part for a bimini top, not a collection of vintage deck fittings. It doesn't have the visual weight or collectible value of old chrome hardware. For a straightforward job, the nylon material and included screws make installation easy, and the price stays low.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the NOS Marine Hardware Boat Wilcox Chittenden Deck Fittings if you're restoring a mid-century boat, finishing a vintage project, or want a display-grade chrome set. Choose the Black Nylon Bimini Deck Hinges if you're installing a bimini top and need a dependable hinge without overthinking the installation. Ultimately, the Wilcox Chittenden lot is a rare opportunity for a collector; the nylon hinge set is the practical upgrade for everyday deck hardware.
