Mast base bearing

I'm tired of looseing my bearing after I forget to take it out of the mast base and then rolling down the road at 65mph.
Could anyone forsee problems with glueing it in?
I've thought it over through and through ad cant come up with a reason not too.
after all that writeing I think I though of a reason not to do that. Lets see if any one else comes up with it too. I would guess its something to do with keeping the mast dynamic.... glueing it in might limit ease of rotation..... I think.

I'm not expecting a reply till tuesday cause everyone will be out sailing. Dont let me down, talk to ya tuesday.

Have fun, Be Safe.

--Chris

I have driven hundreds of miles on highways and bumpy roads, even gravel roads and have never lost my bearing. Now that I have said that, I'm sure that it will happen. I would have to take a knife to it to get it out. It forms into a neat cup in the bottom of the pocket and stays there til it gets worn out. Never a problem. Don't see a problem with the glue either, as long as you don't go overboard and it squishes out all over or something.

Just last week my bearing finally wore out. This is the plastic type which has the small nib to center it in the hole in the mast step. This nib wore out and sheared-off. I think the friction of this part is what kept it in place all this time. An inexpensive part to replace, I've kept a spare just for this reason. Never had to think about glueing it in.

Hope this helps.

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Eric
H16
Sail# 11500

I drove from South Padre TX, back to Minnesota. A 25+ hour drive. The bearing stayed put. I've driven 7 miles back from the lake and lost one, go figure.

You can drill some 1/8" holes, about a 1/16" deep part way up the cup. The bearing will get pressed into the small holes and will somewhat lock it into place. The new 16's come this way and it works pretty slick.

How often do you need to replace the chip? Seems like mine only last a handfull of outings before there is a hole in the bottom of it. I go through quite a number of them in a season.

I don't think you could get much of anyting to stick to teflon. I bought a few mast bearings, there cheap enough. Just put some in with the sailing gear, sprinkle some in the glove box, etc.

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S

Or use other things, bottle caps,plastic golf balls cut in half, butter lids cut up...that is allI have within a few feet that would work.

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

I've used a quarter for a couple years. never falls out and doesn't tear up the mast base. and you can always use it to get a coke on the way home if you want.

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Josh Benge
14 skip
16 skip
20 crew

I should try and make one out of copper or brass. Get a thin piece and hammer it out. probably last longer than the boat.

Hey Josh, Where do you get a coke for a quarter?! It always cost me a buck 50!

If you are wearing multiple chips in a season, I would check out the mast bulb for rough spots. I have been using the same chip for 3 seasons and it is still in fairly good shape. I sail at least weekly with a couple of stretches of 3 days in a row. I don't sail when it is snowing or the water gets real hard, but the chips should last longer than what I am hearing. (I think?)

Well this subject answered my question I was going to ask about how often mast chips last. Guess I'm good for a few years! Great ideas on the field use of alternate materials though.

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1981 H16.
1993 Macgregor 26S