Mast pin question - creating a sacrificial mast pin

I've read all the posts and there are two issues:

- Leave the pin in while sailing so you don't accidentally lose the mast when you flip, pitch-pole, or do something similar.
- But, if your rigging breaks, you could be in a big mess with the pin in.

I think that the force on the pin is a lot more when the mast drops sideways than when it tries to jump or fall off the ball. What about a sacrificial pin that is used while sailing? It would be strong enough to bear the mast weight and retain it when the mast tries to jump/fall off the ball, but weak enough to yield and let the mast fall without damage when the mast drops sideways.

I'm wondering about aluminum, solid or tube, or even hard plastic. Something that would deform at around double the mast+sail weight.

Any thoughts?

Both my old Hobie 14 and 16 as well as the Wave (had) have aluminum mast pins. I can't imagine sailing off shore somewhere and not having the pin 'in place'. I believe the Hobie manual also instructs leaving the mast pin installed.

Never had one shear, but they will bend and require a little TLC to straighten them.

bill

That's interesting - I assumed mine was stainless steel, just by the way it feels.

You are absolutely correct. I had a senior moment and apologize. I still wouldn't sail open waters without the pin in place.

thanx for keeping me honest,
bill