Stuck hatch seals

[Alyssa]

Returned to boat in Lagos after 3 weeks back home in the UK to find the rubber seals on the two main hatches (Lewmar) very stuck!! Managed to carefully free them, but wondering whether there is anything you can put on the seals to prevent this happening eg Vaseline, glycerine, etc???? Inputs on what to use, or what definitely not to use welcomed.

 

[graham]

Using rubber dinghys in hot countries we used to dry them then dust with talc prior to stowing away to prevent them sticking.I would be wary of using vaseline as dirt will stick to it then all over your clean shirt when you go through the hatch. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Vara]

adrianb, cleaner of this parish, in a post replying to somebody with a car seals problem said that he had a rubber conditioning product. Don't know whether it would solve this problem though. PM him he knows his stuff and runs a pretty smooth operation.

Usual caveats.

 

[nedmin]

thin smear of silicon grease.

 

[Billjratt]

don't use vaseline or sun cream etc. think of what it does to the rubber bit on your snorking gogs. possibly one of the automotive UV protectors like Armor-all?

 

[nedmin]

silicon grease will not harm the "rubber" unlike vaseline which possibly will.

 

[Dave_Rolfe]

Definitely suggest you use talcum powder. It used to be supplied in puncture repair kits for bikes to stop the inner tube sticking to the tyre.

I've used it on hatch seals myself and it workls well and does not get sticky. Apply fresh each year after wiping off residue from previous application. Simple solutions are the best !

 

[Alyssa]

Re: Stuck hatch seals - Lewmar response

Thought you might be interested in the response from Lewmar to my original question....

"A smear of silicone grease is the best, not to much as it makes a mess on the acrylic, also you must try and keep the portlights and hatches open as much as possible when you are aboard to try and let the seal to regain its shape."