Sometimes the simplest maintenance procedures are the easiest to overlook. For some boaters, that’s the case with greasing the prop shaft and applying grease to engine fittings that require it.

To make those jobs even simpler, Quicksilver offers two helpful tools. The first is premium Quicksilver 2-4-C Marine Grease. Available in an 8-ounce squeeze tube or a 14-ounce grease gun cartridge, this high-quality lithium-based grease maintains its consistency without breaking down even if it mixes with water, which makes it an ideal grease for marine use. Best of all, because of its versatility, 2-4-C Marine Grease is the only grease you need to lubricate a long list of components, including:

• Steering system cables and linkages
• Throttle and shift cables and linkages
• Remote controls
• Prop shafts
• Swivel pins
• Drive shaft splines
• Tilt-lock mechanisms
• Hinge pins
• Boat trailer wheel bearings
• Most other components with a grease fitting

The other helpful tool is this handy chart, which provides an overview of lubrication points and the appropriate intervals for applying 2-4-C Marine Grease for outboard, sterndrive and inboard propulsion systems. For easy reference, you can print it out and keep it wherever you store your boat.

Some engine components can be greased by hand using a latex glove. For many others, you’ll need a grease gun with the appropriate fitting to match what’s on your engine. Check your owner’s manual to verify where and how to grease each service point.

Greasing the prop shaft helps prevent the hub kit from sticking. It requires a few simple steps and only a couple of tools. You’ll need 1) a ratchet wrench with an appropriately-sized deep-well socket (usually 1 1/16 inch) or a Quicksilver Floating Prop Wrench to loosen and tighten the prop nut, and 2) either a Quicksilver Floating Prop Block or a block of wood to keep the prop from spinning while you turn the prop nut. Be sure to follow the steps outlined in your engine owner’s manual when removing and reinstalling the prop and hub kit.

Before greasing the prop shaft, check for fishing line and to make sure there’s no damage to visible seals. Replace damaged seals if necessary. Also, wipe clean the threads and splines on the prop shaft. Then inspect them for damage, too. If the prop shaft is damaged, contact an authorized marine service center for assistance.

If everything is in order, apply 2-4-C Marine Grease to all threads and splines on the prop shaft. Then reinstall the prop and hub kit. It’s that simple.

If you want to see the process in action, check out this helpful instructional video from Wired2Fish. It details each step and shows the appropriate amount of grease to get the job done right.