mast rotation ?

I was out last Sunday and the wind pretty much died about an hour after I left the launch. It was supposed to be a nice blow around 8-13 all day. The mast was rotating and banging violently from side to side as I was trying to get off the water. There was a lot of boat traffic on the lake and the waves and ultra light air was causing it I believe. Is there any technique to use to keep the mast from doing that? It peened the base stop tang pretty bad. Thanks, Steve

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"Liquid Plumber's Edition Wave" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78PozP9dc0

There's not much you can do to stop that.

Upwind, keep the main sheeted in enough to force the mast to one side.

Off the wind, you can stand up, face the rear and lean against the main to hold it out. You have to peer around the mast to see where you're going.

UGH! Thanks

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"Liquid Plumber's Edition Wave" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78PozP9dc0

You can also use a boom vang to help lock the boom and mast in place when sailing downwind in light wind and chop.

sm

Will a boom vang absolutely lock the mast in place so it won't bang?

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"Liquid Plumber's Edition Wave" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78PozP9dc0

If you just use a bungee cord, then the mast will still be able to move (though less than with no vang).

If you use a solid line with a purchase for the vang, you can use the vang and mainsheet to lock the boom and mast in position. (Although you have to remember to release the system prior to jibing, otherwise you'll break stuff.)

sm

Got it! Thanks SM.

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"Liquid Plumber's Edition Wave" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78PozP9dc0

Light air, down wind on the 16 I'd lay on my back with a foot against the goose neck. Had I ever been smart enough to carry a cooler, I'm positive that my BAC would light the breathalyzer on fire from trying to soften the pain of listening to that wretched sound.

That's hilarious! I have to say I had a difficult time falling asleep that night because of the sound and the memory of that whole thing. it's what nightmares are made of! It won't happen again. Unfortunately, idiots on the water will!

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"Liquid Plumber's Edition Wave" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78PozP9dc0