Forespar Seacock & Valve Lubricant

Forespar MareLube™: Purpose-Built Seacock & Valve Lubrication

When a seacock fails to close, the consequences can be catastrophic. That's why Forespar — a marine hardware innovator since 1966 — developed the MareLube™ line: a family of synthetic lubricants engineered specifically to keep marine ball valves and seacocks operating reliably season after season. These are not generic greases repurposed for the boat; they are formulations created by the same company that manufactures Marelon® seacocks and thru-hull fittings, giving Forespar a uniquely authoritative perspective on what marine plumbing actually needs.

The MareLube™ Product Family

Seacock and valve lubricants from Forespar come in two primary formats, each suited to different maintenance scenarios:

• MareLube™ Valve Lubricant (Gel/Paste): This PTFE-based gel is the go-to choice for routine, hands-on service when a valve is accessible. It is clear, non-staining, and non-toxic, making it safe to work with in confined bilge spaces. It performs equally well on traditional bronze seacocks and on composite fittings like Forespar's own Marelon® components.
• Liquid MareLube™: Designed for valves in tight or hard-to-reach locations, Liquid MareLube™ uses the same advanced PTFE technology in a pourable format. You simply introduce it into the system through the valve tailpipe or connected hose, then work the handle to distribute lubrication throughout the valve — no disassembly required.

What Sets MareLube Apart

The entire MareLube™ family is built around PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) technology, the same low-friction compound used in demanding industrial applications. Every formulation in the line is ISO 9001 certified and functions effectively in both fresh water and salt water environments. The gel variant also fights corrosion and is non-conductive — important properties in the electrically active environment of a marine bilge.

Forespar's own technical documentation specifically recommends using a non-petroleum-based lubricant like MareLube for Marelon® valves, cautioning against common household products that can degrade composite seals. This advice reflects a broader philosophy: the right lubricant for a marine valve is one formulated to understand the marine environment, not adapted from it. The Liquid MareLube™ is also formulated as a readily biodegradable product, blending high-quality vegetable oils with PTFE micropowder and containing no VOCs, heavy metals, or Prop. 65 chemicals.

When and How to Use MareLube™

Forespar recommends lubricating all seacocks and marine valves at the beginning and end of every boating season, as part of regular haul-out maintenance. Valves that go unlubricated — particularly those in difficult-to-reach areas — can seize, leaving a boater unable to shut off water ingress in an emergency. Having the right lubricant format on hand makes it easier to stay on top of this critical maintenance task, whether the boat is in the water or on the hard.