Which grease?

[petersto]

I have dropped my genoa Rotostay II furling gear to change forestay, whilst it is down I would like to re-grease bearings. I have no paperwork and cant find anything on the web. Would anybody know what Rotostay used or has anybody any personal suggestions.

 

[Poignard]

For the last 17 years I have used an automotive ordinary grease in my very ancient Rotostay; the kind you can buy in any car accessory shop.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I use morris's K99 for most things. http://www.morrislubricants.co.uk/products/ind/greases/k99-water-resistant-grease.html

 

[petersto]

Thanks for the reply both. Morris K99 seems to be a popular choice and so-called waterproof axle grease another. I was hoping somebody would have a manual stating which grease. I will wait and see if I get anymore replies before I make a choice. Thanks again.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Whatever you use, just a smear should be enough - same as winches.

 

[bigwow]

I just spray mine with a Teflon aerosol.

 

[petersto]

They are more or less sealed units top and bottom so it would be a job once done wouldn't be done perhaps till the next forestay change.

 

[Poignard]

That's right. And you don't need waterproof grease because no water should touch the bearings, which are well sealed.

I don't know if it applies to your model of Rotostay but mine is an early type and it's very important to lift the foil off it's spigot a few times a year. If you don't, it will seize in place and be very difficult to shift without damaging it.

 

[rivonia]

The best thing for bearings is TEFLON. Will not collect dust and dirt and debri like grease does.

 

[petersto]

That's exactly what has happened. So I have had to cut 3" of the bottom of the foil to release spigot. It won't happen again while I have the boat. It will be greased each year.