R22 Discussion Group

Hi Ric, I too have an IMF mast and boom that I got from a boat that was

I know parts are hard to come by for the bushings. Over the years I have had to make several sets. The last, several years ago. This was done over in Spain so I don’t have the measurements. The technique involves using  a drill press and a couple of hole saws. The material is a small piece of thick Starboard about 1 1/4” thick. Cut the first larger plug ( about 1/8” larger than the OD of the furling tube. Secure this plug and shave it down with a smaller holesaw slightly larger than the ID of the tube). Stop short by an 1/8 of an inch so you create a “drum or plug “ with a lip. Slip a long 1/4” bolt through the hole and secure it with nuts and lock washers so it won’t spin. Attach to the drill mandrill and using a rasp/file/ abrasive bevel the shaft so the smaller end just slips easily into the tube part way down. The last step is to cut the plug lengthwise through the existing hole with a very fine band saw or I’ve used a fine jig saw blade with a minimal kerf. Since everything is set up, make a couple of spares, just remember where you put them when you need to replace them in a few years down the road/Rhode. Good luck.

Chris Geankoplis
Xenos

The Rhodes 22 Discussion Group

Chris Geankoplis

IMF Mast & Sail