Drilling holes in New boat?

[johndoe]

Just picked up a new Sea Ray 185. Need to install VHF radio, GPS, fishfinder... Somewhat reluctant about drilling in to new fiberglass... what if I make a mistake? I know enough to use some 5200 on the threads, but what else should I do to prevent cracking and splitting? What is chamfering?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Terry H]

Re: Drilling holes in New boat?

johndoe...drill holes large enough in f/g so that the screws will fit easily thru and use backing to hold screws. Besure to drill neat clean holes in the glass and you should be good to go. If you make a hole where you don't want one it is an easy fix with gelcoat patch...I'm not sure what you mean by chamfering but some one else here will have some other ideas and may know what you are referring to...

 

[RatFish]

Re: Drilling holes in New boat?

Use a countersink bit so you don't chip the gelcoat.

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Drilling holes in New boat?

Some people around here put a piece of duct tape over the area to be drilled in order to prevent cracking.

 

[Catchem]

Re: Drilling holes in New boat?

Johndoe.The most important thing you can do is make sure your drill bit is sharp.Then use masking tape over area to be drilled.Start drilling at slow speed to be sure you don't wander off your mark.Also....do not force drill in.This and a dull bit is what chips and cracks your fiber glass.Have fun.

 

[Airpacker]

Re: Drilling holes in New boat?

an old trick is to start your hole with the drill spinning backwards. This helps reduce the chances of cracking. Drill your holes one drill size larger than the BOLTS you will use. DO NOT USE 5200 on the threads because if you ever have to remove them, it will be very difficult as 5200 is a PERMANENT adhesive. Use 4200 instead. Always use a fender washer or similiar backing plate inside the hull and only use stainless of 316 grade or better hardware.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Drilling holes in New boat?

One thing some do is to mount a piece of King Starboard to the boat, and mount the tansducers, pick-ups, whatever, to the Starboard. This way you only have two holes in the boat itself. You can run a bead of 5200 around near the edge of the Starboard, then use liberal amounts on the threads (I like to actually force it into the starter holes and put some on the threads). You can remove a screw/bolt/whatever that has 5200 on it, it may take a bit of work, but it is not as permanent as it sounds. Does keep the water out though. Good luck...

 

[crab bait]

Re: Drilling holes in New boat?

chamfering is just counter sinking.. i'd do it ,too,, chamfering alittle with a counter sink bit first relieves the fiberglass an will not crack when bored thru with a drill bit.. <br /><br />chamfer first,, also gives you a starter spot a drill bit wont slip.. <br /><br />also,, chamfering a 'bad' hole,, makes for repair gelcoat to bond better as opposed to 'just-a- hole'..

 

[johndoe]

Re: Drilling holes in New boat?

Awesome... Thanks all.. I figured Chamfer meant countersink...