Mast Base Gap

I lowered my mast after racing today to put a new bearing in after the new one that I'd put in this morning popped out and noticed a bit of a gap under the mast step.

* Is this normal on a late 80's boat?
* I should just be able to re-rivet it without pulling it and the dolphin striker?
* What is causing it to pull out?

Looks normal.

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

I agree with the "other Matt". That's the least of your worries.

Thank you gentlemen! That's what I was thinking after it didn't budge when I hit it with the rubber mallet, but wasn't sure as the two other boats next to mine in the storage lot were more flush.

That's a normal reaction when rivets are installed in under tension.

Wait, what? Least of my worries. Is there something else really wrong in my pictures?

Oh, don't read too much into my comment. A late '80s boat is bound to have more issues than a mast step that doesn't fit perfectly flush with the front crossbar.