I am in the process of fitting mast head lights and a VHF aerial. I notice on Zephyr (SA built boat), there is clearance under the mast for the cables to run out and there is room on the deck in front of the tabernacle for the deck sockets. This means that the cables can emerge into the cabin in front of the compression post and can be run in obstructively through the cupboards.
On my (UK built) boat, the gap at the bottom of the mast is too small for the cables to emerge without pinching. Also, the gap between the base of the Samson post and the hatch is too small to accommodate the deck sockets. Therefore the tidiest option is to run drill a downward angled hole in the front of the mast to lead the cable out and site the deck sockets alongside the Samson post and use a length of trunking on the interior coach roof to run the cables.
Option 1: http://www.capecutter19association.org/forum/album.php?albumid=53amp;pictureid=574
Alternative: http://www.capecutter19association.org/forum/album.php?albumid=53&pictureid=575
Is this an actual difference between UK and SA boats?
Anyone got any alternative suggestions?