I've used SailKote every spring on my turnbuckles, but since I recently ruined a pair, I'm wondering if there is a better option. I used SailKote because it is dry and won't collect dirt, plus "For everything that moves or slides" right?. I've seen people recommend grease, but I fear that will collect dirt. What about Teflon?
What say ye?
Yup, not a good lubricant for the application.
The other problem may be that stainless/stainless was used for the turnbuckles. This is common on smaller boats and prone to galling. Larger boats use stainless/bronze, often chrome plated. If the bodies are stainless, there are probably bronze thread inserts if you check the specs.
A heavy grease is what you want, perhaps with Teflon. I like Tefgel. It is sticky, so wipe off the excess. Not hard. Additionally, rotate the turnbuckles very slowly and no more than 1/4 turn at one time, and then wait 10 seconds. The heat VERY quickly inside at the interface and need time to cool.
In fact, Sailkote is only for a few specific things. Sail slugs, non-rolling bearings, and sliding hatches. It is not a general boat lube. It is not for bolt threads or ball bearings (plastic ball bearings get one drop or light oil, very little--read the label). It is not for winches.
Note that Sailkote is for everything that slides, not everything that moves. One Drop is for plastic ball bearings. Neither is for threads or gears.
At Harken, we use McLube Marine products for lubrication. Harken has been distributing McLube products for a long time. In the beginning, there was McLube® Sailkote™ dry lubricant spray, and we merrily sprayed everything to make it more slippery! With the success of Sailkote, McLube got to work developing new products specifically tailored for different applications.
The original Sailkote works best on everything that slides. Try it on your spinnakers, luff tapes, and sliding battcars. You’ll be amazed at how it reduces friction. It sprays or wipes on, dries in seconds, and unlike oils, silicones and waxes, will not attract dirt and water contaminants. Here’s another neat trick: Spray a little Sailkote on your telltales, and they won’t stick to your wet sail!
OneDrop™ ball bearing conditioner is specifically formulated for things that roll: ball and roller bearings in blocks, traveler cars, and Harken Battcars. Make sure things are clean first, or you’re defeating the purpose of lubricants. Use OneDrop in very small amounts (one drop in each bearing race), and you’ll see a significant reduction in friction under load. But use too much and the bearings may skid rather than roll. So please curb your enthusiasm!
