Mast Base question for Matt.....to cut or not to cut

Matt, Technical question. My mast base came off after I lowered my mast without rotating it. Rivets sheared off no other damage. The previous owner had drilled other holes in the base at the same line and distance from the bottom as the rivets. I am wondering if I can just carefully cut the mast 3/4" from the bottom and drill new holes and start new with the mast base. I know the mast is sealed with silicone and foam about 1" in or so. How deep does that foam go up into the mast? Can I chisel some out and reseal after cutting mast? Or just do nothing and make new holes for the new rivets. I have ordered 1/4"x3/8" ss rivets to go where I can put into the holes that were sheared because the holes have enlarged slightly the 3/16" Rivets are kind of loose fitting shy of 1/16".
Thanks!

Todd,

The issue would be rig dimension changes. Loosens the wires, lowers the whole rig. I would not cut it off.

New holes and new rivets would be better.

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

GEEEZE MATT! Thanks, cannot believe the shroud lengths did not come into my mind...Staying as is with a few new holes! Thats why I asked you!

Second that!

Besides the issues related to rigging length, the other problem would be that you would be lowering the rig height overall. Considering how low the boom is on the 17 already and how difficult it is to crawl under there during a tack, I certainly wouldn't want to make it any lower! You would also be reducing the amount that you can downhaul the sail. Overall, trimming the mast is not a good idea.

sm

Thanks guys! I simply resealed, re-drilled the holes from 3/16" to 1/4" and put new 1/4x3/8" SS Rivets back in place. Good as new!!