Lubricating running rigging

[Hoolie]

Our single line reefing runs over two boom sheaves, two ball bearing blocks and a deck organiser. I am trying to minimise the friction, so what lubricant(s) should I use?

To hand I have silicone grease, silicone waterproofing spray, penetrating oil that leaves a fine lubricating film and a Teflon based grease.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Our single line reefing runs over two boom sheaves, two ball bearing blocks and a deck organiser. I am trying to minimise the friction, so what lubricant(s) should I use?

To hand I have silicone grease, silicone waterproofing spray, penetrating oil that leaves a fine lubricating film and a Teflon based grease.

Any sort of grease is likely to collect dirt and turn into grinding paste. I'd be tempted to use the waterproofing spray, but i don't put anything on my lines.

 

[jwilson]

McLube on the sheaves and bearings, also on the organisers cam works, nothing on the lines. Other products exist (inc 99p furniture sprays) but nothing works as well or as cleanly as quite expensive McLube. Also good for mast and headsail tracks.

 

[typhoonNige]

We changed to smaller diameter lines in Dyneema. This greatly reduced the effort required to get the reefs in and out. Not a single line system though.

 

[Hoolie]

Thanks for replies. We already have smaller diameter dyneema lines and they run OK but I want to make sure the blocks and sheaves run as smoothly as possible.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Try GT85, a dry chain lubricant for mountain bikes, much cheaper than McLube and seems to work well and doesn't leave a sticky mess.
I use it on blocks and recirculating ball slides.

 

[VicS]

McLube on the sheaves and bearings, also on the organisers cam works, nothing on the lines. Other products exist (inc 99p furniture sprays) but nothing works as well or as cleanly as quite expensive McLube. Also good for mast and headsail tracks.

This is McLube SailKote dry lubricant, http://www.mclubemarine.com/sailkote/ , or McLube OneDrop ball bearing conditioner, http://www.mclubemarine.com/onedrop/ , or some other McLube product ?

 

[Hoolie]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll try and get some McLube and see how effective it is.

 

[jwilson]

This is McLube SailKote dry lubricant, http://www.mclubemarine.com/sailkote/ , or McLube OneDrop ball bearing conditioner, http://www.mclubemarine.com/onedrop/ , or some other McLube product ?

The one I use (and you'll find aboard just about every serious racing boat) is Sailkote. Apart from blocks, tracks, etc, skiff type dinghies completely coat their gennakers with it to make them run through chutes better and shed (heavy) droplets of water - if you've got your hull down to bang on class minimum weight you don't want to carry any excess wet.