Caring For Your Carbon Marine Product
LineLair II and LineTack Lights
Our LineLair II and LineTack spikes are made of an ultra-durable, industrial rubber that is UV light and ozone stable, meaning it does not break down like polyurethane and silicone based rubbers do. However, there are still some things to take into consideration to ensure your product has a long and fruitful life. All of our LineLair IIs and LineTack Light spikes ship with an initial application of 303 Aerospace Protectant already applied.
- Spray your LineLair generously with 303 Aerospace Protectant then allow it to air dry every 2 weeks or after you wash it with boat-soap. 303 Aerospace Protectant is an ultra-violent (UV) light blocking agent; like SPF sunblock for plastics and rubbers. It also acts like a fly line dressing, preventing dry rubber from catching your line. You can buy 303 Aerospace Protectant at West Marine, Bass Pro, Walmart, or online.
- Lay flat when storing for long periods of time. Avoid resting anything heavy on top of your spikes. Boat covers left on top of LineTack Light spikes WILL bend them after the rubber heats and cools.
LineHuts
Our LineHuts are made out of a durable HDPE plastic that is UV resistant. However, it is not impervious to UV light and as such can fade and become brittle over time. We recommend treating your LineHut with 303 Aerospace Protectant inside and out and on your spikes (if applicable). To clean your LineHut, wipe the interior and exterior down with soapy water and rinse, dry, then apply 303 Aerospace Protectant to protect the plastic. All of our LineHuts and LineHut 2.0s ship with an initial application of 303 Aerospace Protectant already applied.
- Treat your LineHut with 303 Aerospace Protectant regularly. HDPE plastic can haze, fade, or become brittle with enough exposure to UV light.
- Over time, your LineHut 2.0 may tighten up with use. This is because salt, dirt, and debris works its way up between the two sliding layers of the bucket. To remedy this, pull the two halves apart and rinse the sliding surfaces with soap and water. Once these surfaces are dry, your LineHut 2.0 should return back to normal. DO NOT APPLY AEROSPACE 303 PROTECTANT ON THE SLIDING SURFACES. The panels will stick together and make it difficult to adjust.
TillerPillars/CastingPillars/Crails
Our TillerPillars and CastingPillars are made with carbon fiber and epoxy resin and treated with Imron MS1 clear-coat to protect from UV light degradation. Epoxy and carbon fiber both will amber in sunlight over time without any protection. We HIGHLY recommend using 303 Aerospace Protectant on our carbon fiber items to protect the carbon and to help preserve the clear-coat. It is important to note that the clear-coat is treated as a protective layer and as such will degrade over time. Fortunately, applying a new layer of clear-coat is a simple process that can be done with off the shelf supplies and components.
- Keep your TillerPillar/CastingPillar out of direct sunlight when not in use. This will help minimize the amount of UV light the product is exposed to and maximize the life of the part.
- Treat your TillerPillar/CastingPillar regularly with 303 Aerospace Protectant.
Push Poles
Our push poles are made with carbon fiber and epoxy resin which will amber in direct sunlight over time (although the effect is not as noticeable as our other carbon products). Our rule of thumb is to treat your push pole the same way you would treat your fishing rod.
- Cover or secure your push pole out of the sun when not in use. A common method of securing your pole if you do not have the space to store it where you store your boat is to make a long tube of 2" PVC pipe and place it along the side of your house and keep the push pole in there.
- DO NOT leave your push pole in your push pole holders for an extended period of time. Doing so may cause a permanent scope to form in your push pole with no easy method of repair.
- Be aware when transporting your push pole. Accidents mainly occur at garage doors, car washes, and at the ramp. A broken push pole can be repaired with a ferrule repair kit and we do offer push pole sections by the foot (subject to availability) for lengthening or repair.
- When running your boat with a push pole, ensure you have a way of retaining the pole to the holders. DO NOT RELY ON THE SCOPE OF THE POLE ALONE. Most push pole holders come with bungee cords specifically for this purpose.