Waht type of rivets are used in Shaefer RFs

[Northeaster]

Hi Folks,

I am replacing the standing rigging on my 30 Seafarer this winter. I had to drill out the rivets that hold together the different foil sections, of my Shaefer Roller furler, in order to get the old forestay out, and pass the new one in, complete with the turnbuckle. Does anyone know if they are regular, or special "pop" rivets, and the recommended size? I don't know my furler model off hand, but will be at the boat on the weekend.

Thanks in advance!

[sailingdog]

If the rivets are in aluminum, chances are pretty good that they're aluminum. Which roller furling unit is this... Most of them don't use rivets but plates that align and lock the foil sections together.

[Northeaster]

Sd- yes, it is a Schaefer RF, made up of several approx 6' sections of foil, that have a rubber insert (approx 4" long) that go in the ends of the adjoining foil sections. There are 2 small holes in the end of each ecstion, that line up with holes in the rubber insert / joiner. Once the ends are pressed together, over the rubber section, rivets are placed in these holes, to keep the sections from pulling apart. The rivets do not go all the way through the rubber, as they would then contact / damage the wire stay. They only join the aluminum foil sections to the rubber insert.

This link is not my exact model, but uses rivets, as well:

http://www.furling.com/overview.html

[sailingdog]

Northeaster... give Schaefer a call tomorrow. They're located in Massachusetts, and have pretty good tech support.

[Northeaster]

Will do. Thanks!