In lieu of using the pin (NACRA called them captive mast steps), you could also use a spare line to tie the mast base to the dolphin striker post (bowline around the post and a bowline around the mast rotator or something on the base of the mast). This would act like a safety harness when the mast pops off the ball - b/c it will pop off the ball. The base of the mast will pop up, but will catch on the line and you should be able to recover. Remember to leave a little bit of slack in the line so that you can lower the mast all the way. IMO, lowering the mast without some sort of "catch" is an accident waiting to happen.