Topic: mast step mount bolt/hardware
the first time i had my mast stepped, i noticed that the mast mount had two bolt holes, front and back. the deck plate had a corresponding hole for the back, but the front was an extension that covered approximately 1/3 of the front mast bolt hole. not understanding the mounting, we used only the back bolt hole and the standing rigging to support the mast. during my second mast stepping, an observation was made that something should go in the front bolt hole. recently reading an old jjt spec sheet, it mentioned an 'awl gripped alloy mast.' i do not know what this means. my question is: is something supposed to be inserted in the front mounting hole? the notion of an awl implies, perhaps, something hammered in? thanks for any help, suggestions, obervations, etc. tom, jjt329