I need a rubber ring, well 2 actually.

[tugboat]

No, not to sit on!
When I stow my spinnaker poles by pulling the outboard end up to the mast, they are protected from alloy to alloy contact by having rubber rings fitted to them near the outboard end. These are now perished and falling to bits and I need to replace them. Two different local riggers have never heard of such fittings so it appears they are not of marine origin. The modern way is to have special pads rivetted to mast, but loads of hassle and expense. I could bodge something but the boat deserves better.
Given the multitude of jobs/connections that you guys have, can anyone suggest some different source for these rubber rings (auto trade, teething rings, building trade, that type of thing), as I'm stumped at the moment? Spin poles are 2¼ inch diameter, so I'm looking for perhaps 2inch ID and 15-20mm cross-section. The old rings are bright blue which was what made me originally think they were 'boaty' bits. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[allangray3]

Had Similar problem and it was solved by the wife buying a couple of dog toys they where right internal diameter just spun on chuck mof drill to sand down to correct external. They are even dayglo can find them in the dark.

 

[Talbot]

Having difficulty envisaging what you mean.

If these rings provide some form of anti-rattle function, you could find an inner tube of the correct dimension (motor cycle at a guess) and use a doubled up segment of that?

 

[fisherman]

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/category.asp?dept%5Fid=178

 

[Grandad]

These sound like the rings used to stop water running along kayak paddles and dripping of at your hands.
So it may be worth trying a canoe type shop.
Come to think of it, some inflatable dingy oars/paddles also have these fitted.
Good luck with your search.
Bob S.

 

[MoodySabre]

Drive belts from old style hoovers?

 

[fisherman]

Trawl footrope rings are punched out of tyres: might be a bit tough for you.

 

[Billjratt]

Lots of oil seals off your spin-on filters?

 

[narooma]

I have a 'U' shaped piece of wood fixed to the deck with a pin through it which is sized to take the end of the pole. keeps everything snug and away from the mast.

 

[Searush]

Try your local car exhaust company, they use something similar to hold the backboxes on, cheap & VERY strong and will last for ever. May not be the correct diam tho'

 

[tugboat]

Thanks a lot, guys. Food for thought there. Vac drive belts are too thin for what I want. I'm off to the doggy shop shortly to see if they can help. And here's me with a wee dog too - Doh, never thought of that!

 

[oldaljones]

Try your local builders merchant, ask for underground drainage fittings they use giant ' O ' rings for joint seals on the larger sizes they can be half an inch thick, you can cut and glue with Supaglue to the required size to fit your pole
old Al

 

[tugboat]

Wayhay, you're a hero! Went to the doggy shop yesterday and there on the rack were 2 rings, in bright yellow, just the right size. Confess I hadn't been hopeful as thought doggy playrings would be quoit-sized. Shows how much I know! Anyway, went to boat this afternoon and fitted them, a bit of a struggle as they're nice and tight. Bonza job. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
I'm well 'appy, innit? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif