So you did your research and purchased your Hatches and Portlights. Now, the vital question is:
How does one maintain them?

In this segment, we will share how to preserve these vital components of your sailboat, so that they don't corrode and last longer. Hope you enjoy!

Hatches

After a day at sea, the first thing you need to do is to rinse the hatch with fresh water. Never use solvents to clean the acrylic since the hatch and the sealant could get damaged.

The paint layer of the hatch has a hardness that protects the aluminum from the action of mild abrasives. Make sure to never clean it with household products such as hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, vinegar or with any alkalic product. Instead use mild detergent and water, followed by rinsing and wiping the remains with a soft and absorbent cloth.

To increase the service life of the black seal of the hatch, we advise to check regularly to make sure that there is no dust, also it's very important to oil them at least once a year with a silicone spray. We recommend using Team McLube Sailkote, the only dry lubricant currently available that has been specially designed for marine use. Unlike oil, silicones, and waxes, it never attracts dirt, water and contaminants that eventually degrade lubrication performance.

Finally, we recommend applying grease regularly on your gasket and to keep it clean. A good option would be the Max-Prop Lubriplate, a high-quality grease made to be used once a year. It can be used in or out of the water.

Portlights

Portlights also have a very easy cleaning procedure. All you need is ice, freshwater, soap, and a soft cloth. ( The tricks is in the ice!)

The first step is to rinse the portholes and panels with fresh water. Then, start cleaning with ice water, soap, and a soft cloth. Like on hatches, never use solvents to clean, this may cause damage to the portlights.

Stay tuned for next week's tips and keep sailing!