How to make mast pins

Making the pins.

These are the tools you will need;

Round nose pliers, sturdy wire cutters and pliers.

Materials; Short lengths of 1mm brass wire or similar.

1) ** Please take care as there will be bits flying off and sharp edges.**

2) Mast pins were fitted to the Endeavour series, the larger solid yachts and some of the smaller racing yachts. The smaller solid yachts had a simple bent wire fixing and do not require this type of pin. I am making this pin oversize  to be trimmed back in situ as the mast mounts can vary in width over the different models.

3) Using the round nose pliers, grip the wire at the very end so there is no excess.

4) Now twist the wire a full 360 degrees.

5) Move the wire round to this position.

6) Now make an opposite bend.

7) Using the wire cutters, trim to the length you require, I am trimming this pin to approximately an inch and a half.

8) The finished item.

9) When fitted through the mast mount trim back to about half an inch excess and if required bend an angle to lock it in place, leave the bowsprit pin straight for removal.

** If leaving the pin straight, don't forget to tie through the eyelet with some cord and anchor it to a screw eye or staple otherwise you may lose it when sailing.