I recently acquired a '79 hobie 16. The mast step link that it came with was completely bent and thrashed. After replacing this part, I found that I could not easily pull the mast step pin once the mast was up. It was also virtually impossible to replace the pin once I had pulled it.
Taking a closer look at the mast base, I can see where it has been broken and repaired a bit. The base plate was being held in by screws. The plate was also not
flush with mast.
I think that was probably the problem with removing and pin.
My question is, given the condition of the bottom of my mast and the base plate, what should I do about it? I've got pictures here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bassomatic/sets/72157622676465956/show/Looking at the condition of the base plate, I think I'm inclined to get a new one. However, the condition of the base of the mast looks like it is structurally too weak, given all the holes that have been drilled in it.
I read somewhere that I could cut off the bottom inch or so of the mast, and adjust the shrouds accordingly. Is this a good course of action? If so, are there any good techniques for making that cut straight and clean?
Are there any other alternatives?
Also, if I reattach a new base plate, how many rivets should I use, and where are they drilled in?