I can't seem to get more than a season out of my seals, despite reasonable care (seal saver and/or 303). I'm getting pretty good at replacing them, but would love to find a more affordable source for'em. Any leads?
dave
What kind of drysuit seals do you use. Neoprene is a bit tougher than the late/rubber ones.
If you want to have the work done by others - try www.drysuit-repair.com. They're a sponsor of Team Seacats and do terrific work. You won't be able to tell the difference from the new and the original seal. My seals usually last about two years if I am very careful about not getting sunblock on them (and not using the alcohol based gels).
How often do you use your drysuit? One season in northern CA is probably the equivalent of three or more on the east coast, where we typically only need them in the spring and fall.
Besides sunblock, direct sunlight (UV?) breaks down the rubber/neoprene faster as well. So, don't leave it in a car, etc. exposed to the sun.
Hope this helps.
Mike
Thanks guys. I'm in eastern WA/ID/MT, and I start sailing April 1 and run thru Oct 15 usually. So I'm probably in the suit 30 days per season, spring and fall use. The suit has latex seals, I'm good about not leaving it in the sun. I use stuff designed to extend the life of the seals. I try to take great care getting in and out of it. But still they die from uv, or somewhat often, they get sticky and gooey from something I can never figure out. I don't use sunscreen, and I'm real careful around fuel (Flight Risk has an outboard). Guess it's just another nautical maintenance expense.
dave
Yes, I'd say you fall into the
more than average user
category, at least as far as non-frostbiters...
You might try contacting a manufacturer or dealer and ask what they expect the lifetime of these seals to be, under the conditions you use them. May well be that one season is it for you, but maybe not...
Frostbite guys on this site, what's your experience?
Mike