Topic: re-wire mast, thoughts?
Hello all
Before I launch this spring I am going to re-wire the mast and have a couple of questions.
Currently I am using factory install masthead and anchor lights(incandescent, not led), two wires to each light. For the short term I plan on continuing to use the light fixtures that are in place. With that said I can see a time coming where I will want to upgrade to a masthead light with a built in deck light and a anchor light that is multifunctional, tri colour, white anchor etc. I prefer to wire the mast now for easier upgrades later.
So how many wires should I run now?
For the masthead light(steaming light) I can see 3 wires, for the anchor light, no idea.
As well, when re-wiring has anyone done this with the mast base in place? At this point I am planing on removing it as a couple of the rivets are little loose. Not sure if the rivets are worn or the hole, regardless it seems like a good time to address the issue. My concern here is that the rivets are at least 3/16 to 1/4 in size and I don't think my hand held rivet gun is up to the task, any thoughts on the right tool. I noticed that princess auto has a 21 inch long handle rivet gun(handling up to 1/4 inch rivets) for 50 dollars. Not really interested in buying a commercial grade tool for a one time job but have also learned the hard way that cheap tools lead to more head aches than they are worth.
Any thoughts on removing the mast base?
Thanks,
John