As I mentioned in a recent post, the mast of our Hobie 18 toppled over. I knew enough before to check the rigging (occasionally/not very systematically), but I had never heard of a "shroud anchor pin." Posts on this forum indicate that this is the most frequent culprit of demasting. The fellow I spoke to at our Hobie dealer said that this piece should be replaced every 15 years at least - mine was 32 years old, so I was really pushing it - as an inspection of the 2nd pin shows.
We were very fortunate - no one was hurt, close to home, early rescue - and we're replacing much more than just these pieces, but much of the anchor pin is hidden from view so I'm drawing particular attention to it just in case there is someone out there, like me, whose maintenance habits are sometimes slipshod.
The parts are expensive, but it's not like blowing it on an expensive cup holder.