How is it done? If someone holds the mast base on the ball can another person walk the mast up? I will rest the mast on a ten foot step ladder to get it started.

Also should there be a plastic bearing? The ball seems like it would wear quickly if allowed to rotate on the cast aluminium mast base.

I have the new style on order, but thought I would find out how the old way was done and maybe take the boat out for its first ride before the new base arrives. I just got the boat and its a 76.
When the new mast base arrives, do I have to remove the dolphin striker strap six bolts to get it in?