Treasures of the mast base

[YesIsail]

Just finished removing my mast for a new rig. Mast down first thing I did was to investigate what was at the base of the mast and hidden from me for all these years of cruising.

Feel welcome to post your own discoveries.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by YesIsail

Just finished removing my mast for a new rig. Mast down first thing I did was to investigate what was at the base of the mast and hidden from me for all these years of cruising.

Feel welcome to post your own discoveries.

WHAT, NO COIN. Tradition dictates the inclusion of a coin at the mast base.

[tkeithlu]

Do check the previous owner. There's a recently discovered genetic anomaly that results in a person having ten thumbs.

[YesIsail]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

WHAT, NO COIN. Tradition dictates the inclusion of a coin at the mast base.

Does not apply for ex-charter boats which did not have a soul. I am adding a coin now. A new beginning.

[Bill O]

A big second check would be to make certain the mast head, tangs, etc. still have all their fasteners.

[ChrisJHC]

Re putting a coin under the mast - I remember hearing once that “you put the head of the coin facing down, of course”.

Never heard that before - or any preference for which way the coin faces.

Does anyone have any insights?

[Celestialsailor]

I was told that back in the day, a gold coin was placed under the mast in case the ship was impounded for fees. The captain would "jack" the mast and retrieve it for payment. Also, sailors often times wore a gold ear ring to be used as payment for a proper burial.