Sorry, haven't had that problem with mine. If you do the repair yourself, it is possible to support the mast using a jack, but the screws that hold the top of the compression post are underneath the mast base, mast removal required. The compression post is attached to the bulkhead so if it is not rotted you could leave that. The screws for that are under the door trim and next to it. I believe the mast step is wood under mine but is completely glassed in and is very solid. If I had to I would just cut it out without removing the sole while working thru the access port at the foot of the v-berth.