BROKEN JOINT ON BIC ASTRO ROCK

Question
I have a BIC ASTRO ROCK (1991).  I have broken the rubber hourglass joint that connects to the mast base.  Are there replacements that can be found for this part?  If not can you recommend a suitable replacement whos metal pin will fit into the existing mast base?  If not, can you recommend what I need to replace to get back in the water?

Answer
Hey Eric,

You can get a new joint here; www.chinooksailing.com  You will need to remove your pin and base from the old joint and install them on the new one. When they build the joints, the widest part of the hourglass has a machined part molded into it. It would look similar to a large washer with a female threaded insert attached. Spray some liquid wrench or similar penetrating oil at the base of the pin and the bolt holding the base on. Let it set overnight. Then, place the pin into a vise but be sure to put a couple of strips of wood between the pin and the vise jaws. You want to NOT scratch the pin. Then grab the wide part of the hourglass closest to the pin and unscrew it. A strap wrench works well but vise grips will do the job also. There should be just a bolt or threaded stud w/nut holding the base part onto the joint. For this, place the joint in the vise and use a socket to remove the bolt/nut.

When placing the new parts on, use some BLUE locktight (not Red) on the threads. Again, place the pin in the vise (protected) and attach the joint. As tight as you can get with your hands is enough as long as you have used BLUE locktight. Blue is removable, Red is permanent. For the base, just hold the joint and tighten with a socket as tight as you can with your hands. Let set overnight and you are ready to sail again.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover