ASA vs ABS vs Polycarbonate: Best Plastic for Marine Use

Not all plastics are created equal — especially when it comes to long-term exposure to sun, salt, and temperature swings on a boat. Here's how the three most common plastics compare, and why we chose ASA thermoplastic for our suncovers.

ABS: Common but Vulnerable to UV

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is widely used in consumer electronics for its strength and ease of molding. However, ABS is prone to UV degradation: prolonged sun exposure causes it to fade, become brittle, and eventually crack. This is why many older marine instrument housings yellow and weaken over time.

Polycarbonate: Strong but Prone to Yellowing

Polycarbonate is valued for its impact resistance and is often used in protective housings and lenses. Its main weakness is UV sensitivity — unprotected polycarbonate yellows and becomes hazy after years in direct sunlight, even though its mechanical strength remains relatively high.

ASA: Built for Outdoor and Marine Exposure

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) was specifically developed as a weather-resistant alternative to ABS. Its key advantages for marine applications:

• Excellent UV resistance — color and structural integrity remain stable over years of sun exposure.
• Resistant to saltwater and humidity without degrading.
• Maintains impact resistance and flexibility in cold temperatures.
• Doesn't yellow or become brittle like ABS or unprotected polycarbonate.