Thanks for the vacume in sealent tip,I have not heard that method before but it makes sense. Might not try it until this winter. We plan to disassemble and give her a new paint job.

Well, two votes of confidence on the mast, I think I will sail her hard (as soon as I get done repairing the dolphin striker) and see what happens. Can always chenge the mast to a TheMightyHobie18 setup at some point in the future if it all goes to heck. We usually don't go out until we have 15 MPH + winds and that gets us 3' - 5' swells on Mille Lacs.

We have a non original sail on the boat, with a faded 776 on it. Who knows......