Almost everything that moves on a boat lasts longer greased. This collection covers marine lubricants for every job aboard: winch grease and pawl oil, waterproof and water-resistant greases for trailers and stern gear, PTFE dry lubricants for tracks and slides, silicone greases and sprays for rubber seals, anti-seize compounds for stainless fastenings, and general-purpose marine lubricating oils.
Using the right lubricant matters as much as using one at all: winches want proper winch grease (car grease is too sticky and gums the pawls), sail tracks prefer dry PTFE that doesn't collect grit, rubber seals need silicone rather than petroleum products, and any stainless-into-aluminium fastening deserves anti-seize at assembly. A small locker of the right tins prevents most of the seized, squeaking and worn-out problems boats develop.
Frequently asked questions
What grease should I use on sailing winches?
Dedicated winch grease, applied thinly to gears and bearings, with light machine oil on the pawls - never heavy general grease, which stiffens in the cold and can stop pawls engaging.
What lubricant is best for sail tracks and slides?
A dry PTFE spray - it lubricates the mainsail slides and luff groove without leaving a wet film that attracts dirt and stains the sail.
Why use anti-seize on boat fittings?
Stainless fasteners in aluminium (mast fittings, outboards, stanchion bases) corrode together and seize; a smear of anti-seize compound at assembly means they undo without drama years later.
