Lithium Grease
What Is Marine Lithium Grease?
Lithium grease is one of the most reliable lubricants in a boater's maintenance kit. Built on a lithium-soap thickener base, it forms a stable, tenacious film that clings to metal surfaces and resists being washed away — a critical property in the wet, corrosive world of marine use. Marine-grade lithium grease is specifically engineered to hold up against both freshwater and saltwater exposure, wide temperature swings, and the mechanical stress that engine and drivetrain components endure on every outing.
Why Lithium Grease Matters for Marine Engines
Marine-grade grease is used to lubricate, protect, and ensure the proper functioning of moving parts that rub against each other, with specific applications including throttle and shift cables, steering system cables, swivel pins, trailer wheel bearings, outboard tilt tubes, prop splines, U-joints, and more. Skipping proper lubrication on these components accelerates wear, promotes corrosion, and can turn a minor service interval into a costly repair.
Lithium-based grease is preferred in marine settings because it resists breaking down in saltwater — making it a step above general-purpose greases that can emulsify or wash out when exposed to spray and immersion. Whether you're maintaining a small outboard or a large inboard engine, keeping key components packed with the right grease is one of the most effective preventive maintenance steps you can take.
Common Applications
- Gear shift mechanisms and throttle linkage
- Steering cables and swivel pins
- Trailer wheel bearings and ball hitches
- Hinges, latches, and cams
- Prop splines and outboard tilt tubes
- Winch gears, chains, and tracks
- Fishing reel components and window mechanisms
Top Brands in Marine Lithium Grease
CRC Industries brings decades of marine chemistry expertise to their lithium grease lineup. Trusted by boaters and boat service professionals for nearly 50 years, CRC Marine professional-grade maintenance chemicals include cleaners, lubricants, electrical maintenance products, and more. Their Marine White Lithium Grease is formulated for broad compatibility across gear shift mechanisms, steering parts, cables, bearings, and beyond — providing superior lubrication and durability in any weather and most temperatures, designed for applications requiring a long grease life, and engineered so it will not wash off, melt, or freeze.
Sierra is a well-respected name in marine aftermarket parts and lubrication. Sierra Marine lithium spray grease is an easy-to-use multi-purpose aerosol lubricant for marine applications, ideal for lubricating shift components and other applications where a light grease lubricant is required. This lithium-based lubricant is formulated to provide excellent corrosion protection in both saltwater and freshwater conditions, performing across an extremely wide temperature range.
Choosing the Right Lithium Grease
When selecting a marine lithium grease, consider the application method — aerosol sprays offer precision for tight cable fittings and hard-to-reach linkages, while traditional tube or tub-style greases are better suited for packing bearings or coating larger surfaces. Always verify that the product is rated for the specific marine environment (freshwater vs. saltwater) and check that it's compatible with any plastic, rubber, or painted surfaces it may contact. Following your engine manufacturer's service intervals for re-greasing will keep components moving freely and your time on the water trouble-free.