hey guys, just quickly. i have been noticing latey that when i rig my sail my 400 mast seems to come apart about a inch??? it stays like it for the hole time im out. im just worried that it might make it less strong and more prone to snapping?? why does this happen and how can i fix it!!! cheers, chris.
Got a mate who used to use a bit of duct tape around the joint when he put it ogether - seemed to work
Don't know if he still does - I usually find that my sails rig unusually and de rig and fix it - running your hand along the luff before you down haul is worth a try.
Off the subject
You gonna get some wind on KI tomorrow and Weds or what - where do you sail on a sse'r
Russh
Put a roll of electrical tape in the pocket of your mast bag.
A quick wrap over the join later and two things happen:
1) The mast doesn't separate when putting it into the sail.
2) Sand doesn't get into the join and stick the mast together.
'Tis a good thing 
is it a powerex??
mines as loose as a goose.
go the duct tape, this will also prevent sand entering join and glueing both sections aswell as keepin em together whilst riggin.
i stick the tape back on mast to remind me to use it.
also be carefully when adjusting mast extension with sail still on.
yes, it will snap and you wont get any warranty.
Dont ever let the ferrule come apart, even a little bit... you will create a point-loading as the contact point wont be a 100% fit. The tape thing is the way to go; also helps avoid leaving the top half in the sail when you de-rig.
I tape my masts at the join every time I sail...
I would be VERY worried about snapping due to the mast separating, particularly when has separated by an INCH!!!
Doesn't downhauling the sail pull the masts back together? Obviously not, or this topic wouldn't exist. 
as Matthew said the mast MUST!!!! be completely connected if you don't then there is a great chance of this happening
use tape like Nebbs has mentioned if the fit is loose.
down hauling wont make the halves meet as the tension is off center with the mast
and the mast will bind up on 2 points.
One time I didnt tape two halves together the mast broke at the ferrule. It was only a couple of cm's but in a hurry to get out I didnt take the time. Result= one stuffed mast.
Get a cheap roll of duct tape from a $2 shop and use it EVERY time. That extra 30 seconds will save you every time.
Nebbian said
Put a roll of electrical tape in the pocket of your mast bag.
A quick wrap over the join later and two things happen:
1) The mast doesn't separate when putting it into the sail.
2) Sand doesn't get into the join and stick the mast together.
'Tis a good thing
No 3... It makes it easier to get mast out when derigging
taping the join also helps if you have to derig in the water after an equipment failure.
i've had two masts break, and I suspected the two parts werent together properly. the masts broke on the outside gybe after a bit a creaking. so i always check after the sail is rigged and downhauled if the mast pieces are together.
thanks for your help!
But seriously I've had the same North Sting 430 for 6 years, used it consistently, and never noticed this happening. Bought a 400 sdm a couple of years ago which has had a fair workout and same story. Mind you I've never checked the join once I've rigged the sail, maybe I just don't go hard enough to break them.
hey guys
it is imperative that you tape the joint if you dont believe come and check out my collection of carbon tubes split at the joint.
you may be lucky enough to get away with it once or twice but it will bite your ass eventually
