Boating Clothing

[boristhebold]

After a few seasons various issues emerge with clothing worn while out and about, zips on jackets etc getting sticky with salt deposits or waterproofs not being so waterproof.

Anyone got any tips, tricks, product recomendations for:

1. Cleaning zips on jackets etc that have become stuck due to salt water.
2. Waterproofing or rather re waterproofing jackets/trousers etc.

[Brian]

Zips.
Wash thoroughly in warm water and I mean SOAK. Then brush zip with (old!) toothbrush.
Then apply zip liquid. Comes in little bottle with brush in neck-forget what it's called but available from shops like Mountain Warehouse etc.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Brian

Zips.

Wash thoroughly in warm water and I mean SOAK. Then brush zip with (old!) toothbrush.

Then apply zip liquid. Comes in little bottle with brush in neck-forget what it's called but available from shops like Mountain Warehouse etc.

Plus one

[jeffstevens763@g]

Bee wax on zips or candle or divers zip lube

[Wightdiver]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Bee wax on zips or candle or divers zip lube

Agree, I use divers Zip lube.

[Iron Dials]

I put waterproofs on hangar and give them a cold shower to clear salt every so often, particularly if I've just taken lots of salt spray.
Washing them in water-proofing wash has given mixed results so I also water-proof spray them after washing which is very effective but doesn't last forever.

[Maximus]

Buy the best you can afford...and don't be tempted by cheaper stuff that may appear to be good value at the time!...You will regret it!..and remember the base layers are at least as important especially in the Colder months!
A lot of the top Brands like Musto,Henry Lloyd,Gil ect can be bought with really great discounts at Retail outlet parks.. and always ask the manager if there are any special deals..The good stuff is not always on the shelves
I bought a worn once Musto HPX on eBay for my wife on eBay for £120!...retailing over 1k!(wish it had been my size!) so there really is no reason to buy rubbish.
I'd concour with others about the need for good washing and I also use a (small) amount of silicon grease on zips/fasteners/Ghecko poppers to help stop corrosion which works well.
I like to hang ALL Waterproof garments rather than fold them up or use stuff bags as I've seen some do...the waterproofing will defiantly last longer.
I've also found the more recognised Brands have excellent returns/warranty policy's.
There's a little known Ocean going racing site called "Fierce Turtle" where a lot of low use ...High Quality Sailing gear pops up which is worth a look.

[Budgie1]

I always use vinegar to free up zips and furniture polish as lubricant

[spartacus]

I've had mixed results with Nikwax solution to re-waterproof garments. My XM jacket and bib-trousers have been washed a few times. I think the secret is for low-temperature wash anyway, and use wash-treatment. Results are always short-lived.
Products

I always air-dry my kit after I've been out and don't use kit bags unless everything is nice and dry. Regards stuck zips, even WD40 for salt-laden zips works, but prevention is better than cure. Go with others regards Beeswax stick to run over zips.

[willk]

Zips as above - quick rinse and wax - nothing that binds grit.

Clothing - IMO, a quick rinse under a shower and leave to air dry. I endeavour never to fold/pack hi-tech waterproof fabrics - they don't like it. I also avoid washing them with detergents/soaps and will consider only a quick low temp "wash" in a machine at the end of the season. Read the manufacturers instructions re cleaning and proofing - they vary widely. Some Gore tex fabric water repelling surface treatments can be "re-activated" by tumble drying - others say no heat. Many say to avoid re-proofing treatments that use oils and waxes as they stop the "breathable" thing working. All manufacturers sell horribly overpriced sprays to suit their fabrics and profit expectations

[orlando]

I usually wear a drysuit. Just rinse off with a hose at the end of the day and lube the zips regularly. Get one with a fly for convenience!