KeithB wrote:
One more thought on your mast damage... Since it's an H16 mast and longer than needed, could you remove the base, cut off the damaged bottom 12" or so and then re-attach the base? Might have to relocate your tang/cleats/etc. but the old rivet holes could be sealed back up with epoxy or fresh rivets and some silicone.
I vote for this solution if you don't need the extra hoist for your mainsail to fit. Otherwise you can sleeve over it with good pop rivets and sikaflex or 3M 5200--of course, you will need some aluminum of the same shape for the sleeve. Most masts of any length are sleeved nowadays. In fact, Hobie sleeves (that's what the comptip is all about, although Hobie doesn't do it like everyone else).
One tip for your mast base-instead of pop rivets you can just screw in some self tapping stainless bolts or capscrews. Don't really need self tapping if you can "grunt" regular bolts into holes you've drilled a little smaller than needed; stainless will make it's own threads in aluminum. Makes removing and replacing or just inspection easier.