Silicone Grease

Silicone grease can be hard to find in some areas and I have found that purchasing it on e-bay is the simplest way to obtain it. I always use http://stores.ebay.co.uk/lubesetc as I have found this site gives excellent service.

Silicone grease is amazingly waterproof. There are several
versions, both normal and food grade. I purchase a 60ml pot of food grade grease which lasts for ages, even when I am working and using lots of it. The reason for the food grade is that it is safe to use anywhere including in the fresh water system aboard the boat as well as the other places.

Silicone grease can usefully be used for lots of things. Being so waterproof and electrically inert it is great for electrical connections, especially those exposed to the weather. The ends of wires will be protected by having it worked into the lay of the strands. All the small screws and pins can be coated to keep them in good condition.

Another place as described in the 'loo tips' is to lubricate the head where it will keep the head lubricated for weeks of service.

Wherever there are rubber parts that need lubrication such as all 'O' rings on deck fittings then silicone grease is good. The valves in both fresh and salt water pumps and the 'O' rings on the pipe connectors of pumps can usefully be lubricated.

The impeller in the engine salt water pump will also benefit from being lubricated when checking it at the beginning and end of each sailing season. To do this, remove the impeller and liberally rub the silicone all over. Also wipe the silicone around the inside of the pump body and on the cover. Where the impeller pushes over the shaft can also be greased which makes removal of the impeller easier.