Forestays length HC14?

How long should they be?

Mine were replaced by someone somewhere along the way and the mast seems to be raked back a bit too much. I am basing that on the fact that the mast bottom is not parallel with its side surfaces on the mast base.

How rigid should the mast be? How do you guage it?

Also is there supposed to be some kind of bushing between the mast and the base? I put a piece of plastic from a yogurt container in there as it seemed a good idea. I also lubricated it with grease as I don't have to trailor it. I keep it assembled by the lake. I am confident that sand won't get into the grease. Any thoughts on using grease.

I am completely open to suggestions as I don't have any other cat sailors for probabably 1000 kilometers.