Help! I just bought a 1977 hunter 25- foot, and when we were looking at the mast, we realized that the outer plate, which attaches to the spreaders, is split, vertically. (I think it's called the tang but I'm not positive.) The plate is outside of the metal piece which actually connects the shrouds to the mast. Is the plate necessary, structurally? My husband thinks not, but I'm nervous about stepping the mast without it. I've had no luck locating the piece online or in person at the marine supply places around here. any advice? thanks so much. kristen