Alternatives To Mclube sailkote for sticky luff tape

Nov 24, 2014
159
Catalina 310 Staten Island
Just got my boat commissioned for the season. Having a bit of trouble threading the luff tape on my mainsail through the slot on my roller furling mast. There are not marine stores where I live that stock Mclube Sailkote. Any "Home Depot" recommendations that wont damage my sail fabric?
 
Nov 24, 2014
159
Catalina 310 Staten Island
https://www.homedepot.com/p/WD-40-SPECIALIST-11-oz-Specialist-Silicone-300012/204500174
Lay sail out and lube both sides of the blot rope in the tape.. thread it in a coupla inches, then kinda wet both sides of the tape every foot or so, as someone pulls the sail up.. There are some higher viscosity sprays that would be fine as well.
Thanks for the recommendation. I have used it in the past to lubricate pulleys, cables, and slides on my boat, as well as screen doors and windows at home. I would love to see a section entitled "High Seas Home Depot" for the purpose of discussing the use of the more available and cheaper hardware store alternatives of marine grade products
 
Sep 24, 2018
2,549
O'Day 25 Chicago
I wish the article said exactly which product was tested. Many of the manufacturers make multiple products and as far as I can tell Elmer's only makes glue
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,402
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
PM do you have a subscription to PS? They ranked about 12 products in the chart
 
Mar 26, 2011
3,399
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
I use parifin. Wax. From a candle or in a block. Always have always will
I think you will find that every sail and spar maker will tell you this is a bad idea. As them. I have used candle wax, and there are other products that are much, much better.
 
Mar 26, 2011
3,399
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
That is because the article is from 2003. They have learned to be more protective of their content as time has passed.
In fact, subscribers have access to the full archive, all of which is available as PDF. They rely on the honesty of subscribers (copyrighted material) not to re-post of share the articles beyond good taste. A portion of the articles are available for free, such as this one.
 
  • Like
Likes: jssailem
Jun 14, 2010
2,081
Robertson & Caine 2017 Leopard 40 CT
I’d stay away from any wax or grease, as they will collect dirt and grime - making the problem worse over time. I do not bring any silicones aboard my boat, and would avoid them like plague. Silicone overspray on your deck is slippery and means you can NEVER paint; it penetrates into the gelcoat or other finish and will not allow anything to overcoat.
The only exception is silicone caulk but I don’t use it as caulk. (There are better caulks on a boat). I use it as an alternative to Tef -Gel when threading stainless into aluminum to avoid frozen fasteners due to electrolysis.
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,402
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
I’d stay away from any wax or grease, as they will collect dirt and grime - making the problem worse over time.
I agree with you Larry, it just makes sense to avoid attracting grit. That same article says candle wax is okay for an external track, but not for a slot.