This same topic came up a while back and I posted a photo of the stainless plates some boats have to prevent this. Although I do not do it, placing a nylon strap or sail tie is probably a good practice.

https://j30.us/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/3051/Re_Repair_of_boom_slot.html#Post3051

(On an unrelated note, my boat now looks much, much better than it does in that pre-purchase photo in the linked thread)