The hinge shouldn't wear or be under load when sailing (there is a locating dowel in the middle of the base that keeps the mast butt in place). It is worth checking to see that the mast base (and the butt of the mast) is square and properly mounted. Often the bottom of the masts get so corroded they aren't square anymore and that could load the hinge improperly. This can be fixed by trimming the bottom of the mast and building a little riser for it to sit on.

If concerned, Ballenger has the mast base listed on the website for $175 (part HMB E27). I had to replace mine at one point (we bent it while lowering the rig).

--brendan

:: The mast had to be taken down last week on my boat, and
:: while it was down I examined the rigging for signs of
:: wear and tear. The base of the mast is secured to the
:: boat with a two-leaved hinge. The cylindrical receptor
:: for the hinge pin is showing asymmetrical wear. That is,
:: one side of the cylinder is thinner than the other by
:: about half. Has anyone seen this before?
::
:: Thanks,

:: Maryann