RussC
Nice looking bowsprit. Unfortunately I am not ready to cut a big hole in the front of my brand new boat.
It's always unnerving drilling holes in any boat, new or not

. The process does put to the test the saying "measure twice, cut once" and I guarantee I measured mine somewhat more than twice before drilling

. holes will need to be drilled no mater how you set up your bow sprit, but my deciding factors were (1) keeping the deck free of trip and snag hazards (2) uncluttered looks (I didn't like the look of the bolt on deck mounted ones) (3) overall strength. the through the bow method should be WAY stronger than the average deck mounted one.
Individual choice for sure, but I've been very happy with my end results, and would likely do it this way again.