Nylon bushings for insulated stays?

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
I am hoping that our seldom-heard-from genius Guy Stevens will chime in here soon, but meanwhile, having checked with him to confirm my (limited) understanding, the bushing that the estimable Mr. Hiscock recommended would indeed work fine as an insulator. Just about as efficient as the turnbuckle above it. Which is to say that neither one is what you are looking for.
Insulators are meant to make antennas more efficient by providing a separate, resonating antenna, and by preventing adjacent resonating structures from interfering with the signal. Oh, and they can keep the antenna from resonating where you might be hanging on to it while the radio is transmitting, thus preventing burns. But, with Guy's guidance, I have many times gotten great results with one or no insulators, depending on the vessel's configuration. If'/when he chimes in here, please know that he is a fabulous consultant, who doesn't charge what he is worth. Contact info coming soon.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss