Recycled UHMW is a cheap boaters friend. Here in the US Mcmasters Carr has recycled UHMW in several sizes at reasonable prices, I'm about halfway thru a 3/4" X 5-1/2" X 6' piece that's been used for bearings, fairleads and tip plates (which are a form of bearing plates in my case). I'm not a real fan of PVC pipe (except as clamps) since it lacks stiffness, but have been known to grab a piece and heat flatten the ends when a short reinforcing strut was called for.
cheers,
Skip
>
> Keeping in mind that we're talking about a boat where hulls and beams... will
> cost less than $200. Does anyone have any suggestions for mast bearings.
> Obviously, a machined SS ring (or two) are out of the question. Low friction is
> more important than longevity. Even if it lasts for only one season. I'm
> thinking something with PVC pipe (w/ fiberlass reinforcement) but need some
> friction reducing "something". Any ideas?
>
> Thanks,
> Dennis
>