Article by Tor Pinney                                                                                                                           Back to Outfitting Checklist List

                  

THE CRUISING SAILBOAT’S CHEMICALS CHECKLIST
© 2011 Tor Pinney All Rights Reserved

Adapted from my book, “Ready for Sea! – How to
Outfit the Modern Cruising Sailboat” (Sheridan House)

 

Ever since mariners progressed from the dugout canoe, they have employed a host of ever-improving sealants, lubricants, preservatives, glues, and goops to maintain their vessels. The international voyager will do well to stock up on plenty of these items, since many will only be available in the most modern ports, and then may be much more expensive. This list, based on American products, is meant only to serve as a reminder. Product names and brands may differ in other countries. Requirements will vary according to the equipment on board.

CHEMICALS LIST

• Water maker cleaner & biocide

• Motor oil - enough for several engine/generator oil changes

• Transmission fluid

• Epoxy glue (5-minute and slow drying) - very strong all-purpose glue

• Underwater Epoxy - sets up in or out of the water

• White (premium) wood glue - for light mending

• Contact cement - glue for quick repairs, including offshore canvas patches

• JB Weld and/or Marine-Tex - metallic glue and filler

• Polyester and/or epoxy resin and catalyst for fiberglass repairs

• Plenty of fiberglass mat, cloth, and woven roving

• Color-matched gel coat and catalyst - for cosmetic hull repairs

• WD-40 or CRC - multi-purpose light oil preserves and lubricates

• PB Blaster - frees up corroded fasteners and parts

• Liquid Wrench - frees up corroded fasteners and parts

• Never-Seez - an anti-seize and lubricating compound

• Loctite - bolt thread locker, prevents nuts vibrating loose

• Lubriplate multi-purpose Marine Lube `A’ grease

• Water pump grease

• Teflon grease - water resistant all purpose lubricant

• White lithium grease / White lithium spray –lubricant for locks and general purpose

• Dow Corning 111 –lubricant that does not degrade rubber parts (seacock cores)

• Lanocote lanolin paste - prevents dissimilar metal galvanization (such as stainless steel screws in aluminum spars)

• Thompson's Water Seal - waterproofs awnings, dodgers, etc.

• Rope Caulk – general-purpose, non-hardening bedding compound

• Silicone rubber sealant - general sealant

• Boat Life caulking - marine quality caulking/bedding compound

• 5200 Fast Cure - very strong (permanent) adhesive bedding compound

• 4200 Fast Cure - strong (semi-permanent) adhesive bedding compound

• 3M 101 - a less adhesive bedding compound for general repair

• Gasket and joint sealing compound - for plumbing and engine

• Pipe joint compound

• Biobor - diesel fuel treatment

• Sta-Bil - gasoline stabilizer

• Phosphoric acid – such as Ospho or Chemprime, rusty metal treatment and rust stain remover

• Mineral spirits - paint thinner and solvent

• Lacquer thinner - solvent

• Acetone - solvent

• Denatured alcohol - solvent

• Rubbing compound

• Hull wax

• Paints - including anti-fouling

• Clear polyurethane - hard sealant for cabin sole

• Varnish

• Wood Oil

• Assorted household detergents, cleaners, etc.

• Roach tablets - roach poison

• Aerosol roach bombs - hard to find overseas

• Crawling insect spray

• Flying insect spray

• Mosquito coils

• Avon Skin-So-Soft - gnat repellent

• Ecover brand liquid detergent (or Liquid Joy) – both lather in seawater

• Chlorine bleach

• Laundry detergent (powder)

• Comet or Ajax abrasive cleanser

• Soft Scrub non-abrasive cleanser

• Simple Green all-purpose cleaner

Please carry some strong containers for holding waste chemicals until they can be safely disposed of on shore.

~ End ~

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