On a previous time, stepping on the light
got it to turn on. Not last night.

If you're stepping or banging on something as important as navigation lights
was already a sign you needed to be replacing them!

Yes, the steaming light on the mast did not work all last year and most
of this year (although it did when checked by yard -- or at least they
said it did). Ironically, it worked the other night when it and the
stern lights were the only lights to work.

The question then is where is the problem? If you're having trouble with
all your lights, what else is acting up on the 12v circuits? If it's only
the lights and they're more than few years old then it could be as simple as
corrosion in the light assemblies. Replace them with ones that use new LED
elements. You could, if they're not too corroded, replace just the bulbs.
But you'd really have to find out WHY the lights have been flaking FIRST.
If it's worse than just corroded contacts in the lamp assemblies, like going
into the copper wire, then you've got more work ahead.

I have no anchor lite but I do have a panel switch for it.

IIRC, that same light up on the mast serves double-duty. Forward when
underway and 360 when at anchor.

So, I think safety and courtesy require me to find a permanent nav light
solution.

Yes, for everyone's sake. If you're lights are working then you're asking
for trouble at night.

I'd start by pulling apart one of the lamp assemblies and finding out what's
wrong with it. If you can get it working then wiggle the wire leading into
it and see if that causes the light to flicker. That and look closely at
the wire for signs of corrosion. Assuming that the lamp fixture is "past
it's prime" then I'd take it to a local chandlery and see what they've got
by way of replacements close to it's size. Paying particular attention to
the mounting holes. You don't want to go drilling new holes if it can be
avoided.

When looking for light replacements (just the bulbs) I've heard it's
sometimes a good deal cheaper to go to an auto parts store. They've got LED
bulbs to fit a variety of sizes. Take your existing bulb and see if they
can match it up.

-Bill Kearney