Electric Halyard Winch

Ralph
I use Joy dishwashing detergent on the slides and as far as I can reach on the track. Lubricates great and cleans the track in the next rain.

I don't measure anything, Ralph, just a drop of dish detergent in a cup with water and pour it down the sail track. It's at least a 10 or 15 minute ride out to where the sail can be hoisted at the mast with ease. Of course, the choker has to be eased.

Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA

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Thanks guys. I will try out a soapy wash-down on my next trip out.

Ed: If I can solve my problem for a few pennies a year I will take that solution every time over spending a bunch of bucks to add another point of possible failure to my rig.

Ralph Bush
1983 N26C #104
“Hyggelig”
EYC, Toronto, ON

Hi Ralph,

10 or 15 years ago Practical Sailor did a test of slide lubricants. McLube, candle wax and “Elmer’s Slide All” - a spray wet, dry fast, lubricant, were the top 3. They surely tested the detergent idea but memory fails to recall position.

Think McLube best but only lasted a couple of weeks and expensive. Elmer’s almost as good and lasted months. But good luck finding it in stores. I ended up buying a case of about 8 mail order from somewhere. Seems to work well. Think I’m down to 4 - I’ve also "loaned"a couple to friends.

Brooks Bridges
NSOB #24 “An B’ad”
Cambridge MD

Just Google " Practical Sailor did a test of slide lubricants" and you’ll find it.
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