repairs
On the 240, it would appear that you struck something that caused the insert to come out. Once it starts it will come out. Just insert the bottom and then force the top into the base. On the 26, mark the insert with a pencil on the boat as it will pull in due to elasiticity once taken off. Simply buy a section from Hunter or you may try West Marine of the base. Remove the rub rail portion (not referring to the base). Remove the portion of the base that is damaged and replace with a new section of at least two feet long. I would clean the caulk off where the screws are and if you are not going to reinsert with screws, then put 5200 caulking liberally into the holes. You can cut off the base with a saw but make sure it is straight. I hope this works for you. Reattach with screws and predrill. Make sure you caulk with 5200.
