Beer Can in the Mast Step

haddockjr

New Member
Is there a reason not to drop a beer can (with the top cut off) in the mast step hole? Wouldn't this protect the bottom and the sides of the mast step from wear?
 
Is there a reason not to drop a beer can (with the top cut off) in the mast step hole? Wouldn't this protect the bottom and the sides of the mast step from wear?

Yes. Probably not.

I reckon there's a lot of collective wisdom in the class and if something isn't commonly done there is probably a good reason why. My guess is: The bottom of the can is not completely flat and thus probably won't match the bottom of the mast step leading to uneven wear. The aluminum of the can is as thin as they can possibly make it and probably won't last very long, particularly in saltwater (which may not be an issue since some circles probably have an inexhaustable supply of empty beer cans). The aluminum is probably not really that smooth compared to the gelcoat and either a) won't be any better than the mast itself, or b) rougher than the mast and thus likely to cause more wear.

They make carbon discs and teflon tape for the mast but I think most people have found that they are not worth the trouble.

And the trump card reason not to do it: It is probably against the class rules!
 
A full beer can does make a handy wind velocity indicator though.

Set on top of a piling at the dock, ......... if it blows off its probably too windy for the full rig.
 
Here's the Easter Laser Regatta PRO holding our official wind meter. When it bends over in his hand, we rig and race.

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Holy cow that risks wasting a perfectly good can of beer. :eek:

My thoughts exactly. And can you imagine how sticky the bottom of the mast is going to be???


Of course, on the other hand, not much really good beer comes in cans....
 
if you could cut a flat round disk and glue it to the bottom of the step maybe, it could be a decent wear strip on the bottom

then if you wanted to get crazy, wrap a step protector on the lower mast (aka a piece of plastic)
 
Personally I always take a top from a cringles chip can, cut away the ridge that goes around the edge with scissors then drop it in the hole before stepping my mast.
 

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