Great advice! Thank you all very much. I'll definitely seal the base to the mast when I re-rivet it, to keep the air inside. And I'll be double-careful when stepping the mast, as suggested.

I have NO experience with Hobies, and didn't know what to pay attention to when stepping it the first time in my driveway. The ball wasn't aiming at the socket, even though the hinge seemed to be working fine. The next time I'll be watching it, making sure the alignment is good AND the ball will be going INTO the socket as designed.

It's good to hear that there are several options open to me. I sure appreciate the quick response to my question. It makes it fun.

Rick