Brian
The mast step (pics below) has an corner on it that corresponds to the crack on the mast, making the story of an angled mast a plausible reason for the crack. The mast does NOT have any fasteners to hold the mast to the step. This was a concern for me simply because I have never dealt with a mast that lacked fasteners, but in talking to other Hughes 25 owners, they have had no problems so I guess I'll learn to like it!
Thanks for all the info.
Ryan
http://photobucket.com/albums/d101/r...ailboat001.jpg
http://photobucket.com/albums/d101/r...ailboat002.jpg
http://photobucket.com/albums/d101/r...ailboat003.jpg