Brion - Thanks a million for your help on this. I've called and left a message for Steve. I'll certainly report back about how this turns out.

Thanks again!

Steve Madden
 

Brion - Thank you so much for the recommendation. Steve is a great guy and may be one of the most helpful gents that I've met on this refit adventure. In fact, he was the only guy willing to take a look in person.

He assessed the mast and suggests that I install a stainless steel "doughnut" around the compression post sleeves. Drilled to size the through-bolt and then epoxied and riveted to the mast. A different recommendation that the flanged bushing, but better than welding.

Sound reasonable?

Lovely
 

Hi again,
I am so happy that things are going well there. Steve's solution sounds fine -- same principle. And note that you do not need a compression post, assuming the threads stop where they should, and that the bushing is thick enough.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss