Help with Hunter 18.5 mast stepping and mainsail attachment

[Green Arrow]

I bought a used Hunter 18.5, and I can't figger out if the mast is supposed to sit flush down on the step. When I have what seems like appropriate tension on the forestay, there is still a gap at the fore of the step - like a slightly open hinge. Is this ok, or should that sucker be sitting all the way down for best strength. Also, the previous owner attached the foot of the mainsail to the mast fitting with a toy carabiner, which is crap in my estimation. However, the dimensions of the hole in the mast fitting are so WEIRD (small diameter but deep setback) that I can't find any standard sail attachment hardware that does the job. How is the big grommet at the foot of the sail SUPPOSED to attach to the mast?
Thanks!

 

[Fly_H23]

Loosen your side stays enough to get the mast all the way up. Be sure that you ease the tension off the main sheet and boom vang first.

As for the main sail grommet, maybe post a photo so we can see what you have.

Where do you sail?