Butt Welding Mast Extrusions

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
It is entirely possible that a piece was added on, and the location is perfect if there is a reinforcing sleeve inside, with generous overlap. There almost certainly is, but it were good to make sure. One way to tell is to take the mast out and have a look. Another is to drill a discreet hole or two, and look there. If you do the latter, you can always plug the hole with a fastener.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss