Marine greases typically contain additives to boost the corrosion resistance that can occur due to water exposure. Polymers are often present in marine greases because they can significantly improve the water resistance of a grease and help the grease stay in place to protect crucial components.

The best marine grade grease is AirTec SG145 SeaGuard. Seaguard is rated for both salt and fresh water and is designed for extreme duty in the most intense marine applications.

Calcium sulfonate greases are made by converting a fluid detergent that contains amorphous calcium carbonate to a grease containing calcite particles. Because of the calcite particles' lubricating properties, performance additives containing sulfur, phosphorous or zinc may not be needed.

The only real difference between the two greases is that the marine wheel bearing grease is much more hydrophobic so it repels water more effectively.

Metal soaps, such as calcium and lithium, are widely used as a thickener in marine greases today. While metal soaps are produced by the reaction of a single organic acid to the metal hydroxide, complex soaps are synthesized by the co-crystallization of two or more organic compounds with the metal hydroxide.

Lucas Marine Grease is perfect for boat trailer chassis lubrication, boat trailer wheel bearing lubrication, boat overdrive/outboards, boat steering linkage. Excellent for use in automotive, trucking and heavy-duty applications. Environmentally safe in fresh water and salt water.

Marine grease is loaded with water resistance additives. Bearing grease in general comes with soap, but soap can be water soluble. So you want to make a point to use marine grease if you know your bearings will see a lot of water.

Z-Maxx outperforms most petroleum-based corrosion preventive coatings and is easier to apply and remove–saving labor and maintenance costs. Z-Maxx is a thick NLGI 2 anti-corrosion grease offered as Z-Maxx LV, a lower viscosity NLGI 0 grease.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the calcium sulfonate grease disclosed herein comprises solvent neutral oil, calcium sulfonate, calcium carbonate, dodecyl benzyl sulfonic acid, isopropyl alcohol, water, calcium hydroxide, 12-hydroxy stearic acid, phosphoric acid and an antioxidant.

Unlike complex lithium greases, which require a large amount of antimony zinc or other types of additives, calcium sulfonate thickeners have intrinsic properties of extreme pressure and wear. Also, although sulfonates are natural rust inhibitors, complex lithium complexes still require additives to inhibit rust.

Lucas Marine Grease is perfect for boat trailer chassis lubrication, boat trailer wheel bearing lubrication, boat overdrive/outboards, boat steering linkage. Excellent for use in automotive, trucking and heavy-duty applications. Environmentally safe in fresh water and salt water.

Don't Mix Grease, but Change If Needed grease if your use demands it. Most automotive components are lubricated with lithium grease, but if you use your 4X4 or AWD mainly for off-roading, switching to a calcium marine grease might be beneficial. The key is to make the switch as close to 100 percent as possible.

WD-40 Specialist® Marine-Grade Grease is a lithium-based grease that provides superior lubrication and corrosion protection in wet and moist environments. It was engineered to provide superior lubrication for corrosive marine applications.

Silicone. Most marine greases are not silicone based but we did recommend a couple. It's not necessarily the best choice for wheel bearings or your propeller, but it can be extremely useful on a boat. In particular, if you want to extend the life of your boat's electronics, consider a silicone paste.

Marine grease is unique in that it does not change its properties even in the presence of water. This allows it to protect and lubricate the parts of your engine or boat even if the greasing has sometimes been done for several years.

Bottom Line. The story today is not much different than it was years ago: Automotive bearing grease is OK in a pinch, marine wheel-bearing grease is better, and synthetic marine-wheel bearing grease is best. The name brands are familiar, with a few new players offering new formulations.