S2 7.9 Meter Class Association

I know I'd have to fix the mast step, but what potential damage would there be if I sailed the boat for a season (weekending, not racing) without fixing it? The deck does not seem soft yet. Is it just likely to make the mast step worse? catastrophic failure? slower/abnormal sailing? Other? first?

In My Humble Opinion

Thanks AJ.
I know negotiating for something (ie a boat) is kind of a personal thing, but any thoughts on the listed price and what I should expect to pay?

It doesn’t look like the forum is terribly active, but I'd like some advice. I am looking at a S2 7.9 sailboat 1982. Asking price is $6,000. Most of the boat is in good condition however on examination of the area around the Mast step it looks like the core is saturated. The sound changes around the...