Spirit is a 2008 M17 with the newer Dwyer mast and fixed spreaders. Because of the way the mast base is configured, the rig cannot be raised/lowered with the shrouds attached and tensioned properly. This was discussed in a recent thread and Gary H explained how he cut a bevel or radius in the mast base that corrected this flaw. I understand the concept and it makes sense. However, it also means cutting away a fair amount of the mast base that spreads its load on the deck plate. I think this SHOULD be okay. But I want to make sure I understand the project completely BEFORE I start cutting a chunk out of my mast so… 1) Gary could you please e-mail me a picture of the finished product? 2) Do any of you boatbuilders, engineers, and physicists see this modification creating a stress / structural / safety problem? (I know for a fact that there is at least one of each of those professions in this marvelous group). Thanks, Jim