Mast Base

[Stef]

The half moon shaped plug at the bottom of my mast popped out will lower it today. I had the bolt pretty loose so I don't know why it happened. The (4) holes that are through the mast appear to be slotted. Not sure if this is normal but it's been that way for awhile since it wasn't fresh. Do I use new bolts and reinstall the base and just leave it alone, or cut about 1/2" off the bottom of the mast and drill new holes, or weld up the slots and us the old holes.

[Barry]

Don't cut the mast. If you do, the boat will not qualify as a one design for class events. It will also effect rig tuning.
Get someone to weld up the cracks, holes and other defects. Then redrill, and remount the 1/2 round mast plug with some new screws.

Barry E
Aeolus
#11