Thanks for the response-was getting worried there. I suspected the base was the original problem and even showed the local dealer here the base. He seemed to think it would be no problem. Maybe I should just put a new mast base on the mast? I assume this stainless steel job I described is not common practise? From that, I assume most of the guys sailing just have aluminium base and step components, and these last and are not prone to breaking quickly? Or are these 'wear & tear replaceable' parts on a frequent basis (1-2 years)?