I bought all white metal fittings for my first tug, when they where delivered I decided they where to heavy (Plus not very nice) so set about making some in brass, I found they probably worked out about half the weight, plus they where custom made to my boat , I think fittings have come a long way since then and some of the resin fittings are very nice now and I will use them, I also but some brass fittings because I dont mind making one fitting its a challenge but to make 20 the same is a pain (thats why I am playing CNC) so brass can be lighter plus you get satisfaction from making them ( unless its 12 vents for a fire boat in brass)
Peter