I thought about the thru-deck plan, but I know I’ll very rarely need those lights, and I didn’t want to add more deck holes than absolutely necessary, so I connected my wiring to a trailer light harness, and I run the wire from the cabin to the base of the mast when I need it, and just plug it in.

So far, I’ve owned the boat for three and a half years and haven’t used it but once. I’m glad I didn’t drill the holes.

Part of the reason I don’t use it is because I use a 6-volt portable anchor light. I have a regular anchor light on the top of the mast, but I worry about draining my marine battery while I’m on a trip. Works fine.

I mounted my antenna on my stern rail. It doesn’t get as much range as on the mast, but that doesn’t seem to bother powerboaters, and I can still call for help if I ever dismast.

Mine isn’t a better solution. It’s just one that fits my needs. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.