I am working on my Nacra 5.2 and I have a problem with the jib zipper: it is sticky and there is some kind of white powder on it.

I suspect that it is galvanized and the powder is zinc oxyde.

Is there some way to fix this, Maybe cleaning it or using some lubrification on it.

I am also thinking about replacing the zipper. Any idea of the kind of zipper required and a source find one

Charles Leblanc
Nacra 5.2

McLube will mend your zipper. Vaseline also works, but you risk sand and other particles sticking to it. Silicone spray can also be used in a pinch. If it's not to badly corroded (it might be just salt?) lubricating it will do wonders.

If you want to replace it, you can find a new one at http://www.sailrite.com.

The white powder is probably aluminum oxide.

Wash it with soap and water using a brush

For a lube I would use White Lightning, Krytox, parafin or McLube, in that order. The first two are dry lubes made for bicycle chains. They are similiar to McLube with parafin dissolved in it.

Carl

I just joined the group and noticed your posting, so I hope you do not mind a "newbie" chiming in. I have encountered a similar problem and found each of these three items to work well for lubrication:
Olive oil, bar soap, and candle wax
Hope this is of help to someone.

Regards

Raykenn

McLube.

If it was finanically feasible to coat the whole boat with the stuff (and legal), I'd do it