Just a query regarding the actual contact between the mast base and mast step. How much contact is there between the parts that stops the rotation (contact between the peice of the mast base and mast step). I've gota couple of millimeters..around a quarter inch,maybe just less. Anyone have an idea how much they have, what it should be?

a 1/4 inch sounds about right... depends a bit on what you use as a bearing (thicker plastic might result in less contact area on the rotation stop) An other determining factor is the amount of mast rake you have set... more mastrake - less contact area.

Patrick

Lets assume the slightly less than quarter inch is with medium rake (middle holes on the chain plates of the shrouds). I'm just concerned that when i increase the rake in strong winds, the contact distance will be less. Would that be normal? It sure isn't going to go over though. With the rake I have, it looks like i'm going to have to grind off a bit from the mast step towards the rear side as the mast base 'stoppers' are having some contact there. (hope that makes sense) I've read of other doing this..seem like a good option?

Sounds right! I also have read about the need to do some grinding to get sufficient clearence before. Also keep in mind that you could play with the thickness of your chip / bearing - htat should havee some effect on the gap in that area as well.

Patrick