When flying the spinnaker, Hunter recommends some pretty tight tensions on the mast so it will prebend and not bend or break under the spinnaker load. They also recommend the use of a mast wedge and supplied me with a rubbery wedge. In my opinion, this wedge squishes too much and does not wedge the mast securely...so I made my own. In fact, a few weeks ago I was out with the wind kicking pretty good and the Hunter wedge almost fell out (causing me to fabricate my own wedge)! The picture shows both the Hunter wedge and my new wooden one...with my wooden one installed. I am pleased with the results. The picture DOES NOT SHOW the 1/8" layer of Neoprene (purchased at my local Ace hardware) I spray mounted on the surface that contacts the mast. This Neoprene provides cushioning and prevents thumping and bumping as the mast flexes. The wedge is made of a chunk of pressure treat 4x4. Note the lip over the mast pin. Awhile back I made a wedge without the lip and it did not work...under sail it worked itself deeper and deeper until either it fell through or I landed and was unable to get the wedge out without a great deal of pounding.