Repairing Hole in Mast Near Deck
 

I recently acquired a replacement mast for Catalina 30 Tall Rig (my current mast has a dent at the spreaders). However, the replacement mast came with a nasty access hole cut into the base of the mast starting at about 6" above the deck. It is a square hole that has been cut roughly 2.5 inches wide x 3.5 inches tall. The extrusion itself is a flat-sided oval just under 8 inches by 4.5 inches (.160" thick).

Should I repair this? If so, I was thinking about having it welded up. I realize this weakens the aluminum, but I figure this is a typical location for winch-pads to be welded on other masts. I've also considered just riveting a doubler? Maybe do both?

Can I repair this? If so, what is the best/right way to do it?

Fixable
 

Hello,
This is not a horrible place to make a big hole in a mast, but it is worth doubling. Start by filing some radius at the corners, to relieve the stress risers there. Then make up a plate of similar thickness to the mast, at least as large as the patch that used to be there. Drill and tap for 3 or four fasteners per side. Be sure to Tef-Gel or Eck the fasteners. 8's or 10's.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

Thanks for the advice. Good to know that its not as severe an issue as I feared.