Welding a mast

Last sail of the year (last year) I turtled twice, what a blast, I can't say enough about being prepaired, thanks to this forum.
Beck to the task at hand, I had a hard time coming up right the last time so I lowered my mast to check for water and sure enough, lots-O-water, When I got home I fount one of the mast tang rivits was leaking. My firts thought was silicone it up but it wasn't leaking at the start of the season so I deceided to remove the intire tang and re seal it all. To my horror I found the dreaded Can opener effect from the original one hole tang. I opted to just move it up a few inches and re rivit but should I weld it or just use some 5200 ?
thanks
Don

Don't weld. This makes the location brittle.

I would get the newer tang. Much more surface area and more rivets. Align at the original location:

Mark the mast where the original bottom of the main shackle hole is before removing the old. Align the bottom of the main shackle hole on the new one with your mark on the mast.

The holes do not align. A non issue. Plug with rivets and sealing caps.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I woud not weld for the before stated reason. I also would not move the existing tang "just a bit higher" - you essentially would need a custom made forestay and shrouds since you would change the whole geometry.
What type of tang is currentely used on your mast? One hole or two hole design?