Teflon boat parts: PTFE shims, anchor guides, dashboard — custom manufacturing
How to manufacture custom Teflon boat parts (PTFE or POM): alignment shims, anchor guides and rollers, anti-friction dashboard inserts. CNC machining and 3D printing.
On a boat, low-friction parts are everywhere: alignment shims, anchor roller guides, rudder pads, anti-stick dashboard inserts. These parts are often called "Teflon parts", even if the material used is pure PTFE or a high-performance equivalent such as POM (Delrin). This guide explains how to have them custom-made — and why it's often the only viable solution.
At NC Factory in Antibes, we regularly produce this type of part for crews and owners at Côte d'Azur ports. Here is a complete overview of what you need to know.
PTFE vs POM: what's the difference for boat parts?
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon®): lowest friction coefficient of all plastics (0.04). Resistant to almost all chemicals, fuels and oils. Rated from −200°C to +260°C. Ideal for pads, guide bushings, flat seals and anything in contact with fuel or oil.
- POM (Polyoxymethylene, Delrin®): slightly higher friction than PTFE but better mechanical and dimensional strength. Suitable for 3D printing and precision machining. Ideal for anchor guides, profiled shims, rollers and mounts.
Pure PTFE cannot be FDM 3D printed (melting point too high, fume risks). We produce it via CNC machining from PTFE rod or sheet. POM, however, prints very well and machines easily.
1. PTFE alignment shims — the classic marine mechanics part
PTFE shims are used for precise alignment of engines, propellers, drive shafts, keels and deck equipment. They combine critical dimensional precision (tolerances in tenths of a millimeter), low friction for adjustment and micro-corrections, chemical resistance to bilge oils, and long-term stability under load.
Standard catalogue shims only exist in specific thicknesses and lengths. Whenever a particular geometry is required (L-shaped, U-shaped, profiled, with through-holes), custom CNC machining is the only solution.
2. Anchor guides and bow roller — POM for complex geometries
The anchor guide (bow roller) is in permanent contact with the chain during anchoring. It is one of the fastest-wearing parts on frequent anchoring boats, and one of the most often unavailable in catalogues for older or foreign-built vessels.
POM is our reference material for these parts. Mechanically stronger than PTFE, it handles repeated chain abrasion while maintaining a low friction coefficient. For anchor bar rollers, we use POM or Nylon depending on load and configuration.
From a photo of the bow roller and chain, we model the custom guide and print it in POM. Total lead time: 24 to 48h from receipt of photos.
3. PTFE/POM dashboard — finish, anti-friction and anti-glare
PTFE or POM on boat dashboards serves several distinct needs:
- Anti-friction inserts for sliding control zones (joystick, throttle, control levers)
- Custom instrument bezels for VHF, chartplotters, propulsion controls
- Panel replacement for degraded dashboards (bubbling, yellowing, cracking) on 10+ year vessels
- Additional instrument mounts: adding secondary screens, battery monitors, autopilots
Other common Teflon parts on boats
- Rudder and helm pads: reducing play and vibration in PTFE
- Shaft guide bushings: replacing original wear bushings
- Cockpit sliding pads: protection and sliding of hatch panels
- Winch guide tracks: reducing grippage of telescopic handles
- Washers and spacers under deck equipment (compasses, helms, windlasses)
FAQ
Not pure PTFE — it requires CNC machining. However, POM (Delrin) prints very well and offers anti-friction properties close to Teflon. We choose the process based on geometry and required tolerance.
We machine shims from 0.3mm thickness in PTFE. Below that, precision must be evaluated per geometry. Contact us for edge cases.
Yes. POM is chemically stable against seawater, salt and most engine oils. It does not corrode and maintains mechanical properties long-term.
Yes. From photos and the roller dimensions, we model and print a custom anchor guide in POM. Quote within 4h on photo submission.
Between €15 and €60 depending on dimensions and geometric complexity. Simple plate machining is fast. Parts with bores, chamfers or threads are slightly more expensive. Free quote within 4h.
To order your custom Teflon boat parts, send your photos via our quote form or WhatsApp (+33 7 63 98 46 64). Estimate within 4h, dockside delivery to Antibes, Cannes, Nice and Monaco in 24-48h.
