: Interesting idea. A decent amount of clearance around the mast is always a
: good idea. Too close a fit and the mast can jam in place.

Actually a drop in mast can fit pretty tight and still works well. I've made several mast "steps" (a mast step really is only a base for the mast) by wrapping the mast with several layers of paper covered by packing tape then glassing the mast, after it's set up and soaked in water the paper becomes soft and the sleeve then can be fairly easily removed from the mast. This sleeve then when glassed into the boat makes a good base for the mast. Advantage to this is the mast is supported over the sleeve's length and not just at the base and deck support, so less likely to fail.

Bill H.