lubricant

I just purchased a 2017 S18. Locks on the bimini struts work fine but the rubber boot is very difficult to move off the pins (have to pound out with my hand). Any recommendations on the best way to lubricate to make the struts easier to release (WD-40, spray silicon, waterproof grease)? Thanks.

So I see that Yamaha recommends spraying down the entire engine with Yamalube (or similar silicone lubricant) to keep it from rusting. Says to spray "everywhere but the O2 sensors. Anyone ever done this, & anyone know where the O2 sensors are?