First, check the bulb contacts
Before you drill any holes in your mast (which will weaken it, if only somewhat), climb up your mast and make sure the bulb contacts are making good contact when seated. I had the same problem last year; prior to stepping the mast, I checked the steaming and anchor lights and found the contacts on the bulbs were somewhat corroded. PLUS, the lights are original (i.e., old) and the springs in the socket don't evenly push the socket contacts against the bulb contacts. The bulbs fit into the socket like the taillight bulbs of an old Chevy; line up the two 'things' with the slots in the socket, push in and turn and the spring pushes the bulb back out a little, but seats it firmly in the socket. My socket springs were worn. After some fiddling with the springs, sanding the inside of the sockets to remove corrosion, the bulbs push into place and get well seated. Your lights might just require a little jiggering at the sockets. Good luck. Paul
