Cracked Mast at Spreader

[Endeavour]

I have a Isomat NG105 mast which is 61' long with a 7x11 cross section. There is a crack at the starboard aft end of the spreader base along where it was welded. I was planning to sleeve it with another section of an NG 105.
Today I was told I should grind off the old bases, put "Doubler Plates" about 6' long on the exterior, using a taper, fasteners and adhesive. Then replacing the bases and spreaders. This mast is one continuous extrusion and I hate to cut it if it can be avoided. Will this work? I will be sailing from Hawaii to San Francisco this summer. Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations?