What you describe always happens and is very easy to get around. I always raise my mast solo and as I get it part way up, I accelerate it a little and then slack off then push up again. It toggles the link and the mast lines up fine with the socket. It is hard to describe but once you get the feel for it you won't have any trouble. I have been doing it for 20 years. Let me know if you want more of an explanation.

Howard