Thanks for all the advise..
It seems there is a limit on the rake issue..I found that with my mast to far back..I could get block to block too easy (which I assume will not be the best thing as the leech of the sail was probably to open ). Plus, my mast base is squeezing down on the mast step...opposite problem I used to have...
Does anyone know what to do if you have a new mast step on your front cross bar, and the mast base has stainless bolts in it. I assume the previous owner put the bolts in to stop the mast base being chipped away and resulting in over rotation...now the bolts are chipping away at the new alluminium mast step. Should I consider puting in stainless bolts in the new mast step?