Neglected Nipples: The Importance of Maintaining Grease Fittings on Yacht Equipment

As a marine surveyor, I've seen many examples of yacht equipment failure due to neglected grease fittings. These unassuming components, known as grease nipples or zerks, are critical to the longevity and performance of essential systems on your vessel, from the windlass to the drivetrain to seacock valves. They are very easy to overlook during routine maintenance, leading to premature wear, seizing, and costly breakdowns.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of regular grease fitting maintenance and provide practical tips to help you keep your yacht's equipment in top condition.

The Risks of Neglected Grease Fittings

Grease fittings are designed to provide a simple and accessible way to lubricate the moving parts of your yacht's equipment. When these fittings are neglected, the consequences can be severe:

1. Accelerated Wear and Tear: Without regular lubrication, the moving parts within your equipment will begin to wear down much faster. This can lead to increased friction, heat buildup, and ultimately, premature failure.

2. Corrosion and Seizing: When grease fittings are neglected, the exposed and internal metal components are susceptible to corrosion, especially in the marine environment. In relatively little time, this can cause the moving parts to seize up, rendering the equipment unusable when you need it most.

3. Increased Maintenance Costs: Neglecting grease fittings can result in the need for more extensive and expensive repairs down the line. Replacing a seized-up windlass, hauling your boat to replace a seacock, or taking equipment into a machine shop is far more costly than regular greasing.

Maintaining Grease Fittings: A Proactive Approach

Fortunately, maintaining your yacht's grease fittings is a relatively simple and inexpensive task. By incorporating it into your regular maintenance routine, you can extend the life of your equipment and avoid costly breakdowns.

Here are some tips for properly maintaining grease fittings:

1. Identify All Grease Fittings: Thoroughly inspect your yacht to locate all the grease fittings on your equipment, from the windlass to the trim tabs. Make a list with a diagram of their locations to ensure you don't miss any during your maintenance. Likewise when you install new equipment or replace something, check for zerks and add them to your list if applicable.

2. Establish a Maintenance Schedule: Develop a regular greasing schedule, based on the manufacturer's recommendations or your own experience. As a general rule, grease fittings should be lubricated every 50-100 hours of use or at least twice per season.

3. Use the Correct Grease: Consult your equipment's manual or manufacturer to determine the appropriate type of grease to use. Marine-grade greases are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and provide superior lubrication.

4. Properly Apply the Grease: Using a grease gun, slowly and evenly pump grease into each fitting until you see fresh grease being expelled. Be careful not to overfill the fittings, as this can cause damage.

5. Inspect and Document: After applying the grease, visually inspect the equipment for any signs of wear or damage. Keep a maintenance log to track your greasing schedule and any issues you identify.

Maintaining the grease fittings on your yacht's equipment may seem like a small and inconsequential task, but it is crucial to the longevity and performance of your vessel. A good marine surveyor will notice rusty zerks and make note of them in his survey report! By regularly lubricating these unassuming components, you can extend the life of your equipment, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and save yourself a significant amount of money in the long run.

Remember, a little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your yacht remains in top condition for years to come. So, don't have "neglected nipples" – keep them well-greased and your wallet will thank you.