What do you all do to keep your hatch gaskets in good shape? Is there a recommended product to rub into them a couple of times a year? After a winter season of not opening some of the smaller hatches and portlights, they're a bit dry.
Happy to take suggestions and then report back on what seems to work the best.
Thanks!
—
David
s/v Portmanteau
Hull #2133 -- 2003 MKII
Seattle, WA
I keep a can of divers silicone on board. Every year I apply to the portlights to keep them pliable and a long while ago in this forum it was recomended to prevent the ports from leaking. It's been about 10 years for me and not one portlight leaks!
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
[QUOTE=FlyMeAway;17967]What do you all do to keep your hatch gaskets in good shape? Is there a recommended product to rub into them a couple of times a year? After a winter season of not opening some of the smaller hatches and portlights, they're a bit dry.
Happy to take suggestions and then report back on what seems to work the best.
Thanks![/QUOTE]
303 Aerospace Protectant.... Nothing I have tried works better. Our New Found Metals port light gaskets look as good as new, are soft, pliable and never, ever stick to the frame. At this rate they will easily last 30+ years... I treat them about 6 times per year and it takes me all of 4 minutes each time....
-Maine Sail
https://www.marinehowto.com/
Second vote for 303 Protectant - I use it on all the vinyl components on my boat too...
and 303 Fabric Guard is great if your canvas is getting old and starting to weep water.
---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----
--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----
--- 1999 C36 MkII #1776 M35BC ---
Awesome, and thanks. I'll try 303 first. Two follow-ups:
- Cleaning prior to putting on 303? Just dish soap and warm water?
- What are the other vinyl components on our boats?
David
s/v Portmanteau
Hull #2133 -- 2003 MKII
Seattle, WA
Rub rail; if you have vinyl chafe guards on dodger; etc.
---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----
--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----
--- 1999 C36 MkII #1776 M35BC ---
We use acetone to clean the rub rail. It's a bit of a job, but it will look like new. We then will put protectant on it. The Armoral wipes are easy to use.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Punta Gorda, FL
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
Yes, I also use 303. Seconds on 303 Fabric Guard! That product is the best on the market. I spray all of my canvas, including the ext cushions with it. Works great!
Last year I did the port side of the rub rail on [COLOR="Navy"][I][I]CARPE DIEM[/I][/I][/COLOR]. It still looks fabulous, but as someone else mentioned previously, it takes a long time to do it.
Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B