Great point Les. When installing the rod into my new-and-improved beam I guess I shove the rod up through from the bottom (with the bottom nut and washer already in place), then slip the compression sleeve down over the rod and through the hole in this new plate so that it fits INSIDE the beam and then washer and nut and ball complete the installation. Is that right or do I have to figure a way to slide the compression sleeve through one end of the beam till it aligns with the holes and then I slide the mast post up through it? Here is why it is important......
I need to tell the welder how big to drill the hole through the patch. Big enough for the rod only or the compression sleeve? Can you tell me the dimension of the compression sleeve? (I ordered a new complete mast rod assembly with the missing compression sleeve AND dolphin striker piece that holds the rod but it hasn't got here yet to measure).

Thanks guys.
Greg