I found a small bail fit perfectly (4 inch bail, maybe?) on the outside of the mast tabernacle pinned by the bolt that secures the mast. Prior to raising the mast, run the bolt through one side of the bail, through the tabernacle, through the mast, and back out through the tabernacle and bail. I've used the tube approach--or something very similar (you can drill and tap a solid bit of aluminum rod to attach an eye strap), and found it loosened up on me sometimes. Our M15 had a bail pop-riveted to the boom for the upper end vang connection. /)) Tom Smith & Jane VanWinkle M17/496 & M17/064