G'Day,
I have had a Sonata 6 for three years and as with yours there us no build plate attached. From what I understand build plates were not attached until early eighties except those sold in Victoria by Sundance Marine.
Although my boat is permanent mast up the mast crutch that came with her is gal pipe with gudgeons welded on at one end and a U shaped bracket to rest the mast in at the other.When wanting to drop the mast I take the rudder off the pintles and slip on the the crutch. With the mast resting on the crutch and pulpit it is horizontal .Good idea to tie off crutch on taff rail or the like to take pressure off pintles . The U bracket has garden hose covering.
Careful when dropping mast before unbolting mast hinge that you do not put downward pressure on the mast end as you may crack the mast base plate at bolt holes . Keeley Marine in Melbourne have the mast base plates .
I have recently joined the Sonata Yacht Association and found them fantastic (150 members) .
Must say however I had same issue before I joined.
I would also communicate with
www.trailersailerplace.com.au/for the various alternative mast crutches .
You boat looks the same vintage as mine with no cockpit hatches except perhaps one small near transom .
