I'm rebuilding a 1972[?] Hobie 16. I noticed that the mast base was flopping around when I first stepped the mast. I removed the mast base from the mast and saw that both rear rivets weren't connected to anything--the base had fractured away from the rivet holes. So I ordered a replacement base.

Due to the flopping around (probably during stepping/unstepping), the two rivets at the front of the base have managed to tear the mast extrusion. :-( There is a portion of the aluminum at the front of the mast, between where the rivet holes are, that is dangling. It looks like I could pull it off with my fingers. The remainder of the mast extrusion isn't damaged. No part of the tear is progressing UP the mast, and there's no cracking around any other rivet holes.

My first thought was to saw off the bottom 3/4" of the mast. Then I thought about the sail geometry, shroud length, and other considerations. I would hate to ruin the boat, trying to have a solid mast base.

Since about 80% of the mast is undamaged, and I can drill new holes in good metal to attach my new mast base, should I just forget about the torn part?

Rick