Here is information I used before order details for mast raising/lowering:1.Bruce Binghams’s “Sailor’s Sketchbook” excellent, understandable and illustrative. Can\'t post because it copyrighting. 2.In our group Files folder - file; Fair_Winds_14 - Raising and lowering the mast by Chuck Rose on page 243. Hinged mast bases from Ballenger Spars : http://ballengerspars.com/hingedmastbaseinfo.pdf 4. Ballenger HMBM30 work the best for Vega: http://ballengerspars.com/photos/hmbm30.jpg http://ballengerspars.com/photos/hmbm30.jpg View on ballengerspars.com Preview by Yahoo 5. I upload in Files folder aluminum insert for mast base- that works with HNBM30.Please note you have take some measurement make sure your mast the same dimension as insert for my mast.Installation details with photo later.Thank you.Tym