H16 Mast Step / Base fit

I am new on here but have been doing a bit of research while reading through the posts. I just purchased an '81 H16 and have been replacing some parts trying to get it ready for sailing. When I finally got to stepping the mast I find that with the teflon chip in (brand new) there is a large gap between the stops on the mast step and the mast base itself. Even with no mast rake it seems that something is preventing it from seating all the way. Could this be the stops have really been worn down? I have searched quite a few other posts on this but haven't quite figured it out. Any help would be great!

dphobie 16 - The stops probably have been worn down on your 81 H16. I had mine replaced this past summer on my 79 H16. I was told I probably could've gone a few more years before having to replace mine, but decided that I didn't want to push it to the limit.
I read on these posts how to replace the mast step and mast base and it appeared to be one of those jobs that were better left to a Hobie Dealer who has done this many times before; especially on an older boat with some corrosion. I don't rake my mast back either, and I wanted the mast base and mast step to line up perfectly when I step the mast. It was money well spent. You can save some money by doing it yourself, but don't expect this to be one of those quick, easy, and fun projects that only takes an hour or less to do.
I'm glad I had mine replaced. It doesn't sail any better, but it looks much nicer and I have more peace of mind when I take family and friends out sailing.

Those stops are pretty much gone - both on the base and the step.

Replacing them is not that difficult if you're at all handy.

Thanks for the input, that is what I figured.

With the Teflon chip out, the mast seems to fit down enough for the stops to keep the mast from over-rotating; however, I know I need the bearing in there to sail. Looks like I have something else to replace now as well!