I bought a used Hobie 21 Sport Cruiser last year (I think it's a 1993). It does not have a mast rotation limiter that prevents the mast from over-rotating. It looks like the rotation limiter may have been sheared off.

I know other H21SC do have 2 things under that mast ball that prevent the mast from over-rotating.

How important would it be to get this over-rotation prevention piece? Will an over-rotating mast damage the mast or sail? If so, what can I do to limit damage until I can get this pieice. If I don't need it, however, I will not get it since like it sounds like it would cost around $180 or so with installation.

Thanks, Doug