I'm getting ready to install my new service. Going for a mast setup.

How are most of these done with respect to the outside finish?

Hammerdrill through and fasten into the sheathing & studs? Or do you smash off the stucco to make room for the base and mast, then patch around it afterwards?

That one.

When I have to mount a panel on a rough surface, I save a lot of trouble by using strut.

I have a book from the area Utility (ComEd) that shows the requirements for mounting service masts (maybe you should get one too).

Dave