Drysuit maintenance

SLF has a drysuit with latex boots and neck/wrist gasgets.  While searching for zipper lubricant I ran into recommendations to use 303 lubricant on the latex every 4-6 weeks.  How accurate is that recommendation?  Is the 303 primarily for protection against UV damage?  What have you folks that have had a drysuit for a long period of time noticed in regards to protecting the latex gaskets?

The whitewater guys in the shop swear by 303 for their gaskets. 

This non-whitewater guy uses it too. Keeps the latex from drying out and cracking.

This non-whitewater guy uses it too. Keeps the vinyl from drying out and cracking.

I have never used anything and now my neck gasket is really nice an loose.  Oh, and most of the gasket has already made it to the landfill.  Me thinks me needs some of this 303.

This non-whitewater guy uses it too. Keeps the vinyl from drying out and cracking.

I have never used anything and now my neck gasket is really nice an loose.  Oh, and most of the gasket has already made it to the landfill.  Me thinks me needs some of this 303.

Craig did you ever figure out how to put a new gasket into your suit? 

I as well need to get some of that 303.  The only thing that I have used so far is what little lubricant that came with the suit.

303 is recommended by Kokatat, the Stohlquist guy recommended McNett UV protectant.  Prolly in a pinch, anything that specifies latex preservative will do.  But use something, it's a major PITA to replace gaskets, and the ones that come with the suit are just right.....

I picked up a used drysuit on a fleabay last year.  The seller was very optimistic when he stated the seals looked like new.   I ordered a neck and wrist seal kit and have watched a number of "How To" videos.   Dreading trying to tackle the project.   Definitely going to try some of that 303 if it will prolong having to do it again in the future.   

This one makes it look easy as pie.

I buy a product from Active Watersports called Shark Spray. On the can it states it is recommended for use by OS System . It is food grade silicone. Here is what it says on the back of the can.
Active Water Sports Silicone Spray Lubricates: Sensitive rubber products, Metal plastic and more. Protects: Helps metals resist rust, oxidation, corrosion and salt deposits. Conditions and Helps Preserve neoprene rubber, leather, plastics & rubber products. Seals Out Moisture; Wood, Leather, and electrical parts, keeps snow from sticking. Colorless-Non-Staining-Odorless-Non-drip- Enviormentally safe. I have always used this stuff on my drysuits and have never had to replace any zippers or gaskits. I spray my zippers and gaskits after every use.

This non-whitewater guy uses it too. Keeps the vinyl from drying out and cracking.

I have never used anything and now my neck gasket is really nice an loose.  Oh, and most of the gasket has already made it to the landfill.  Me thinks me needs some of this 303.

Craig did you ever figure out how to put a new gasket into your suit? 

I as well need to get some of that 303.  The only thing that I have used so far is what little lubricant that came with the suit.

No, I have not.  I have been wearing my dry top over my dry suit since it is so cold. 

I buy a product from Active Watersports called Shark Spray. On the can it states it is recommended for use by OS System . It is food grade silicone. Here is what it says on the back of the can.
Active Water Sports Silicone Spray Lubricates: Sensitive rubber products, Metal plastic and more. Protects: Helps metals resist rust, oxidation, corrosion and salt deposits. Conditions and Helps Preserve neoprene rubber, leather, plastics & rubber products. Seals Out Moisture; Wood, Leather, and electrical parts, keeps snow from sticking. Colorless-Non-Staining-Odorless-Non-drip- Enviormentally safe. I have always used this stuff on my drysuits and have never had to replace any zippers or gaskits. I spray my zippers and gaskits after every use.

It's a desert topping! No it's a floor wax!  Sounds like the company that makes Shark Spray is a subsidiary of Shimmer.

Hulu - Saturday Night Live: Shimmer Floor Wax

Thanks for the inspiring post. I had re-prioritized (procrastinater) that duty and it was way over due.
Now all gaskets have been treated and zippers waxed. always feels good to check one off of the list.

This non-whitewater guy uses it too. Keeps the vinyl from drying out and cracking.

I have never used anything and now my neck gasket is really nice an loose.  Oh, and most of the gasket has already made it to the landfill.  Me thinks me needs some of this 303.

Craig did you ever figure out how to put a new gasket into your suit? 

I as well need to get some of that 303.  The only thing that I have used so far is what little lubricant that came with the suit.

No, I have not.  I have been wearing my dry top over my dry suit since it is so cold. 

I buy a product from Active Watersports called Shark Spray. On the can it states it is recommended for use by OS System . It is food grade silicone. Here is what it says on the back of the can.
Active Water Sports Silicone Spray Lubricates: Sensitive rubber products, Metal plastic and more. Protects: Helps metals resist rust, oxidation, corrosion and salt deposits. Conditions and Helps Preserve neoprene rubber, leather, plastics & rubber products. Seals Out Moisture; Wood, Leather, and electrical parts, keeps snow from sticking. Colorless-Non-Staining-Odorless-Non-drip- Enviormentally safe. I have always used this stuff on my drysuits and have never had to replace any zippers or gaskits. I spray my zippers and gaskits after every use.

It's a desert topping! No it's a floor wax!  Sounds like the company that makes Shark Spray is a subsidiary of Shimmer.
I guess insteed of using shimmer we could just rub some Johnsonville brats on them. Then when your done you can eat the brats for lunch.

Hulu - Saturday Night Live: Shimmer Floor Wax

Even with frequent use of 303, I still replace my seals at least every other year.  I've seen too many break at an inopportune time.

-Allen

Got this email from Alder creek for a free gasket replacement clinic:

http://www.aldercreek.com/Sales_&_Promotions/FREE-Winter_Clinic_Series-e3125-m1-y2012.html



Wish I could go.     

Thanks Walli!  I need to get this done.  My neck gasket ripped.