Saltwater Gear Care
Todd getting ready,
off the
Olympic Peninsula, Washington.
©David Blue |
Ah, life by the sea! Beautiful vistas, sandy
beaches, limitless horizons…and the corrosive effects of seawater
and salt air. Keeping your gear in good condition when using it
on and around the sea takes extra care and regular preventative
maintenance.
Metals really suffer from exposure to these conditions.
The surfaces of many metals erode, giving a pitted, rough appearance.
Over time, the erosion can weaken the material and cause structural
failure. In a much shorter time, moving parts can really be ruined.
Galvanic corrosion is a process that occurs when there’s a
connection between two dissimilar metals that are then exposed to
a great electrolyte solution, like saltwater. So, when you have
an aluminum carabineer or cam buckle, with a steel hinge pin on
the gate or spring clip, you have the perfect setup for gear wrecking
corrosion.
To avoid this corrosion, after using metal gear on the water, wash
it in a mild soap solution and rinse thoroughly in fresh water.
A light spray of water displacing lubricant like WD-40 can provide
protection. Check local hardware or marine supply stores for other
corrosion protectants. Store this type of gear in a dry place, away
from salt air. |
Neoprene items, like wetsuits, gloves and booties suffer
damage over time from saltwater. Be sure to rinse well with fresh water
after each use. Aquaseal
Wetsuit Shampoo removes salt deposits and organic debris, rejuvenating
neoprene and prolonging the life of your garments. Let your neoprene air
dry before storing in a cool, dark place. Hang wetsuits on wide-topped
hangers to prevent creases and compression at the shoulders. Wetsuit Shampoo
also works great on PFDs, splash and drywear, and other apparel items.
Especially in southern latitudes, gear takes a
beating from the sun’s UV rays. 303
Aerospace Protectant gives you SPF 40 sunscreen protection for
boats, apparel, fishing gear, sails, etc.
Living by the sea and boating on it is great. Just
be sure to take the extra time and effort of cleaning and protecting
your gear to prolong its life.
|
Todd sliding
through the salt.
©David Blue |
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