Replacing gaskets isn't that bad. I noticed that some were sewn in as well as glued. I first cut the stitching and then peeled the old gasket out, cleaned the surfaces, and installed the new one the same way by stitching it first. Use a mandrel without much taper, or the gasket will try to creep to the small end. If you'd rather avoid the frustration of learning a new skill, Kokatat will replace gaskets at the factory if you call them for instructions to ship. NRS had some instructions on their site www.nrsweb.com at one time. RE sunscreen: I have used No-Ad spf 45 for years with no problems. I put it on in the morning when getting up, so it's dry by the time the drytop goes on. Gaskets seem to last 2-3 years in heavy use in a high UV environment. I also put 303 on the inside/outside of gaskets after each use, and avoid drying gear in the sun to avoid UV. Backs of hands can get pretty cooked on long trips, because sunscreen washes off. Light gloves that cover the backs of the hands can work OK. Personally, I think it is best to avoid trimming gaskets. Rather, try to obtain a larger gasket. I once let Jim Stohlquist trim one that was rather tight on a new top, and it blew in about two weeks. The best alternative IMHO is to stretch the gasket a bit with a bowl . One thing that will split gaskets is earrings that have a point on the back side, which can snag the gasket when pulled off. Some drytops have appeared with a kind of stretchy coated lycra material that is thought to work pretty well for summer paddling-haven't tried it. Cheers, Jay *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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