What kind of lubrication do you use?

I bought a 1985 H18. What should I use to lubricate the old blocks? What should I use to lubricate the track along the back edge of the rear crossbar where the car slides? It is sticky and gets bound up at times.

For the rear track bar I replaced the plastic bar and roller on my H18. They should be listed in the parts catalog. This made a huge difference. Do not use a grease as this will only attract sand and dirt and really jam it up. I think the blocks do not require any lubrication for the same reason. If they are original they may just be worn out.

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Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

McLube SailKote. Two thin layers in the rear cross bar track.

Other tips to help your traveller move easier:

• Sheet out the main some before releasing - the sail then pulls the traveller and there is less upward tension causing friction.
• Use a skiny line for the traveller sheet - it sheets out much better than using the end of the main sheet.
• Replace the bullseye fairlead on the traveller rotating cleat with the roller version in the Murrays catalogue. Much less friction - especially if you McLube the rollers.
• Finally - replace the slugs if they are worn (but look out - based on another thread in this forum some of the stock may be a little oversize).

I use McLube on the blocks as well. I use it everywhere (even on masts and cross bars to keep them clean). I have known sailors submerege their spinnakers in a sink full of McLube. (this is expensive and with silicon impreganted cloth it is unecessary).

Chris.

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2008 Hobie Tiger

Is McLube SailKote silicone based? Would it be a good idea to use NAPA silicone lubricant spray on the tracts and in the blocks since it doesn't attract dirt/sand? Anyone tried this?

silicone spray works VERY well.

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Warm regards,

Jim

McLube is not silicon based - it is PTFE based and is a dry lubricant - so doens't attract dirt/sad like a hydrocarbon based lubricant.

It is expensive vs. silicion type lubes from walmart - but buy a small aerosol and give it a go - there is a difference. I try and avoid paying for it where possible; whenever I help out a new sailor down the beach and they ask what can they do for me - I suggest a can of McLube

Chris.

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2008 Hobie Tiger

Does anyone lubricate the cams on the rudder castings? If so what should be used here?

Same kind of stuff. Keep the sand and dirt from getting stuck in the mechanism.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

I use both Silicon and PTFE lubes. The McLube is the more expensive of them. It is really good to use on Saills and sail tracks I also use it before I put up a non-silicon impregnated spinnaker. It takes at least a can to get a good penetration.

If you choose a silicon lubricant make sure it says "DRY SILICON". That way it will not be mixed with oils. The oil will help it stay longer but at the bad cost of attracting dirt.

I found that West Marine now sells a Dry PTFE that is a competitor of Sail Cote for a bit less money.

Later,
Dan