I assume that if sailing is like most other things, you can save money by buying things that don't say 'Marine' on them, but perform the same function. But most of them do say they have special properties you need on a sailboat. When can you get away with non-marine generics, and when can't you?

For instance, the first thing I did when I bought our used boat was replace all that old line with cheap new rope from Wal-Mart. Bad, bad move. It all stretched, hung up in blocks, and misbehaved in general.

What about Sailkote - it claims "Sailkote is typically five times as effective, and lasts much longer than, wax, oil or Teflon® based lubricants." Are there other dry lubricants that I can substitute that work as well? Particularly for lubricating the sail?

In general, where can I afford to skimp by buying generics, and where can't I?

Jonathan