Hi Doug   Personally, I'm glad to hear that you are questioning the usefulness of using an anchor light installed at the top of the mast. As you already might know, I'm in serious disagreement with that arrangement, if used when anchored.   Sorry to hear of the results with your oil light. We've been using them for years and are happy with ours, but it isn't an inexpensive lamp. Ours is made by Den Haan, its expensive, has never blown out, even in 120+ wind and with a few spares- wicks, chimney, even burners, it has proven very reliable (we carry these spares since we cruise). We got our lamp through Weems and Plath, but I think West Marine carries the same lamp. Find someone with a wholesale account and if they'll buy it for you it will be less expensive.   The one alternative that I've seen used a lot and I'm in favor of is a little portable, plug-in unit that I've bought from West Marine. It is certified by the Coast Guard and shines a legal beam through a fresnal lens. I tried to find it in their catalog, but couldn't, but I'm sure it'll be in a local store (might be made by Aqua Marine?). It's about the size of a battery powered strobe light that you'd clip onto a life jacket. LED, long cord that can be hard-wired or plugged into a cigarette lighter and hung up. Might even have a permanent mounted model. The one I favor has a photoelectric switch to turn it on and off, depending on the level of sunlight.   Another option, and one we are seriously thinking about gettting is one of Sealite's models- battery operated (5 year life), LED, legal, Coast Guard approved and there are a variety of models. They have a website, but I get to them just by googling- sealite. To me, it is important to have legal lights, mostly because if someone runs into you and your lights do not conform to the Coloregs, you are at fault. Besides, we'd miss you.    Rudy Briney Bug- Panama City, Fl