pin at mast base plate

[radsailor]

Previously I had a deck stepped mast that had a substantial pin at base of the mast plate. The pin went through the base of the mast so when raising and lowering it, the base would pivot rather than sliding out.

On my Typhoon, there is a pin, but it does not go through the mast. What is its purpose ?

[Dick Villamil]

the pin engages the flange on both sides of the mast step. Ity allows the mast to pivot while lowering or stepping the mast. The mast is also supported by the pin while up.

[radsailor]

I took a closer look yesterday and saw how the pin goes through the mast base