Selden Furlin' Grease Alternatives

[SV-Essayons]

Is there anything special about the Selden Grease (Part No. 312-501) listed in the service manual for the Furlin' system?

If no, what is a good generic alternative? Looking more for readily/locally available (even Amazon) not necessarily a money thing unless there is a significant price difference/cost savings going generic over Selden brand.

Since it doesn't specify in the manual, what type of grease is 312-501? Calcium based? Silicone Grease? Other? Online resources/pics show it as just "Solid Water Resistant Grease."

[SV-Essayons]

Anyone?

All the Selden grease says is "Solid Water Resistant Grease"

I'm hoping someone somewhere has used something that is easier to source in a local store I can hit on the way to the boat.

[JoeRobertJr]

I look forward to some expert responses.

You might find this conversation helpful: https://www.sailnet.com/threads/subs...grease.262633/ It mentions Green Grease, which I use for my winches, and my very non-expert first thought would be to use this on the furler also.

And here is a CF thread that suggests SuperLube: https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...er-112744.html. My other key takeaway from this thread is the risk of underlubing, which I completely understand given how difficult it is to squeeze the Selden grease into the slots.

[PippaB]

Their backstay tensioner uses the same grease and the manual for it says:

The linkage underneath the tensioner should be lubricated with grease annually. Use Seldén grease 312-501 or an equivalent high quality marine grade grease.

But, I would call Selden (since it does not seem to be on their website) and ask them for the SDS (formerly MSDS) for their grease. If they sell it in the US or Europe and expect it to be used by a professional rigger then they are required to provide an SDS, which may give you a clue about the grease chemistry.

[SV-Essayons]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm genuinely surprised that no one has used an alternative grease or would have said why they hadn't or wouldn't.

I guess I'm off to shop for Selden grease.

[deblen]

I don't have access to Selden grease .
I have used Fluid Film spray-on grease for this & many other "marine & outdoor" purposes. I like it because it is lanolin(sheep grease) based and does not wash off easily.
Just personal experience-YMMV
Cheers/Len

[Jim Cate]

When I had a Selden furler I used a general purpose "marine grease" sourced from a local (Tasmanian) chandlery and suffered no noticeable problems with it. The bearings are loose s/s balls running in pressed s/s races, lots of clearance and only slow speed rotation. IMO the issues are more in retention than in special lubricating qualities, so a "low wash out" claim is useful.

I also acquired a Zerk fitting that screwed into the threaded port so that I could use a grease gun to force lube into that region of the bearings. I think this helped get a n adequate amount into that critical area.

Jim