Yea, I use the spline grease or 2-4-c. Mcmaster.com, cheaper by the box.

And yes, thats for clarifying that Mr Outdrive. freshwater. No clue about saltwater.

outdrive man is correct about the problem with the nuts that merc uses they have gone back and forth with the brass nuts I use stainless all the time and merc 101 on the threads, we are in brackish water here have never had a problem !!!!!

Thanks for all the input! I will be using stainless nuts & washers with a little spline grease on the threads.