The season is slowly getting underway again and it is time to take out your equipment and do the necessary checks to ensure that your equipment keeps its performance over time.

One of the first steps in the maintenance of your boat equipment is the rinsing. After any sailing, even in light wind and calm sea conditions, it is imperative to rinse your watch jacket andoveralls thoroughly. With clear, warm water ideally to dissolve the salt crystals carried by the sea spray. Salt is the number one enemy of zippers, as we know, but it is also the enemy of waterproof and breathable fabrics. In addition to causing significant whitish stains, salt permanently alters the performance of the membrane or micropore coating that ensures the breathability of the watch jacket.

Rinsing is therefore essential, the best thing being to go under the shower with your watch jacket and overalls to rinse them well. Then hang it on a hanger to drain and dry.

In case of stains or odors, you can wash your equipment but there are also several precautions to be taken to avoid altering the performance of the jacket.

  1. For some membrane equipment (Gore-Tex in particular) it is possible to wash your jacket + overalls in a washing machine, the rest should be washed by hand
  2. Never use traditional detergents (with soap) because soap, like salt, clogs the micropores necessary for the breathability of the fabric. Only use detergents for technical clothing, whether for hand washing or machine washing
  3. Absolutely no other drying than drip drying on a wire or coat rack in a ventilated room. Dryer and other totally forbidden.

Obviously during the drying process the pockets, hoods and other potential water tanks must be turned inside out, otherwise the drying process will take forever...

If however you have a tear on the jacket or overalls, you can either make a home-made patch with neoprene glue and a piece of fabric coated with PVC. If the tear is too important, get closer to your dealer to either make the manufacturer's warranty work, or ask for a professional repair which is worth it for a top-of-the-range equipment to extend its life.

For any advice you can also contact the Picksea team