Treatment for portlight gaskets

[skunther]

Does anyone use any product to keep their portlight gaskets fresh and functional?

I know for car door gaskets, wiping down with a silicone spray is recommended. I’m not sure if this is also appropriate for a boat.

 

[Terry Cox]

I've used a silicone gel on ours to keep them pliable and sealed for years. Pool supply stores carry it for pool valve seals. Works great. Application by finger good for several years.

 

[BigEasy]

303 aerospace protectant is good.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I've used this for 25 years and all port, hatch, and sundry gaskets still look like new :

Again, a silicone product as above. Even the vinyl rub rail looks like new and it sees whatever sun we have continuously over the years.

 

[Kings Gambit]

I've used a silicone gel on ours to keep them pliable and sealed for years. Pool supply stores carry it for pool valve seals. Works great. Application by finger good for several years.

I have a big tube of Molykote 111 silicon lubricant aboard. As you say, use finger to wipe on the gaskets to seal. Apply to portlight and hatch seals. Wipe and reapply yearly if wish to freshen, but water never leaks past the seals for much longer than that. (Without the silicon it does.) Doubles as a dielectic grease and other. Don’t leave home without it!