Does anyone use a sleeve around the bottom of the mast?

[peterbye]

Hi,
I rigged my new Laser for the first time last night. One thing that struck me was the potential for the mast to wear away the inside of the mast step.
I see in the class rules (19a) that 'To prevent abrasion of the mast step , a tube or collar ... may be placed around the entire circumference of the lower mast '.
Do people generally do this, or is wear not an issue? If you do, what do you use, I can't see anyone selling a specific product for this purpose.
Thanks

 

[49208]

I've used wear stripes at the bottom and at the deck level - APS sells them
APS Mast Wear Strips

I took them off my mast on my new boat, as they were causing more wear in the gelcoat . I left on my old boat as that step has worn alot....

 

[Tom]

I use a slip at the bottom but the mast usually wears out b4 the mast step and there is a stainless plate at the bottom of the cast step with wod underneath that. I still use a sleeve tho just make sure it doesnt come above the deck