Mast Shoe Help

[MartyW]

Hi There
I tried raising the mast on my boat today. It was the first time, and I misunderstood how to keep the mast parallel to the boat. Long story short, it went askew which sheared the rivets holding the pivoting foot to the mast. Thankfully that was the extent of the damage.
Does anyone have advice on how to reconnect it? The rivets are larger than what my pop-riveter will deliver. How can I reattach it?
Thank you!

[Rock & Roll]

I would suggest straightening any bent aluminum/metal.
Drill and tap machine screws into mast/Shoe.
Put locktight on machine screws, and reattach the shoe to the mast.
Will be as strong, if not stronger than S/S rivets

[MartyW]

Yep, that's what I did.
Then I went out and had a successful mast raising!
Man, that was exciting.
Thanks for the advice.

[AJ Oliver]

Yup, the drill/tap thing is what I did too.
Worked well.

I've noticed that a number of 7.9 masts have shoes that are
quite loose. They have been known to come loose and fall
in the drink. They you are really screwed.

Kids, don't let this happen to you !!