Something is sliding back and forth in my mast when It is tilted

masts used to have a cork plug in each end. if it has dried out and is no longer a snug fit, that might be what is sliding around inside the mast.
 
tag said:
masts used to have a cork plug in each end. if it has dried out and is no longer a snug fit, that might be what is sliding around inside the mast.
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Thanks!!! For the info.
Guess I should soon take those end caps off my mast and get them out while I can.
I think this boat was laid up for a long time. Since I’ve begun sailing it they’ll probably get stuck wherever they are when they “rehydrate” :eek:
 
tag said:
masts used to have a cork plug in each end. if it has dried out and is no longer a snug fit, that might be what is sliding around inside the mast.
Click to expand...
Natural corks are still sold in hardware stores. There's no penalty in replacing the original corks, and could even "save the day". :)

The end caps are under no particular stress, so when re-attaching them, most members here would agree: use aluminum pop-rivets, not stainless steel.
 
You can see the cork plug on the left mast.

img0175_101.jpg
 
leob1 said:
I thought the cork plugs prevented the mast from filling with water, which would help keep you from turtling when you go over.
I stuck racquetballs in my mast to replace the cork dust.
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Me too, I thought this too, but I am a greenhorn...
Good tight fit on the racquetballs?
 
Ideally, the mast and spars should be water tight. The air inside will counteract, but NOT totally protect (!) a Sunfish from turtling.
And yes, helium has been proposed as a substitute for air, but it is not class legal... :)
 
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