Drilling holes through gelcoat and fiberglass question?

C

Cutty Sark

New member
Hey there,

Well I have finally taken delivery of a new boat. And although it's not a Cdory, I thought I'd ask you folks a question, as the knowledge and experience in this group is hard to find elsewhere. I need to drill a hole or two to mount some electronics and such. What is the best way to drill through the gelcoat and the fiberglass without cracking the gelcoat? As I have had it crack a little beyond the size of the hole I was drilling on a previous boat, but it was hidden, so didn't really matter. Now on this shiny new boat I'm hesitant to start drilling and want a nice looking hole when I'm done.

Thanks

Sark
 
I like to use a countersink bit to go through the gelcoat. They cut really well, and do not grab like a twist drill can.

One of these guys:
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Where I can, I just go right on through with it. Or you can use a small pilot drill, and use the countersink to trim the gelcoat prior to going through with the finished size hole.

If you are putting screws into the glass, use the coutersink to cut away the gelcoat around the pilot hole. That keeps the gelcoat from chipping away when the screw is put in.

I looked at your new Defiance 200 on the web. Nice looking boat. What did you get for power?
 
I've drilled beaucoup holes (mostly in the right places) using brad point bits. They allow for accurate centering of the hole and the outer "wing teeth" of the bit scores the gelcoat nicely as it cuts so as to eliminate fracturing.
Al
 
I'll second Al's suggestion on bradpoints, for the same reasons he mentions. I drilled a gazillion holes in my 19, and a handful on my 22 using them.

Just make sure and select the right size, the first time. Don't step up in size - in my experience, that's what chips the gelcoat.
 
A little masking tape over the area your working
on certainly can't hurt either.
Drill your hole and peel it off.
Don't forget to look behind what your drilling
into.
Good luck with your new boat. :thup
 
Thanks for the info guys. Sounds like either will work, just need to be careful. Most of the holes are for the downriggers and scotty sockets, But I also need to drill one to route some electronics up through the dash. So will be more visible.

Tyboo,

Maximum HP on the defiance 200 is 150 hp. The factory usually puts on a Suzuki 140, so I went with that. I know your a honda fan, and I looked at those too. But I went with the suzuki because, it came with a six year warranty instead of three years (boat show promo). Thats what the factory puts on them most of the time. And two seperate dealers, both who offered service at their places said the Suzuki's were awesome motors especially the 140 and 115. And one guy said out of 70 something suzuki motors sold last year, not one problem or warranty issue. Sounded good to me, so just went with the standard motor package offered on the boat show deal. Yeah I really like the defiance. The cabin is smaller but comfy, simple but clean design, great fishing amenities. I wish I could afford the 26, more like a CD on the inside. But too much $$ and too heavy for my rig. I'm happy with my decision I just wish there was a defiance boat group like this!!!!

Sark
 
Arimasark or is it mr.defiance? glad it hear that you finally got another boat. Just sorry its not C-DORY. Are you going to fish the psa event on the big c in april. I will be down there for two weekends if every thing works out. One with the psa and one with the brats. I cant wait for sockeye season on the lake either. I work in mill creek, as you know, can i come by after work later this wek to see the new boat? what elec. are yu buting on it.
 
Sark,
I think if DaNag did a poll asking C-Brats whether we should limit questions only to C-Dory owners, it would be 99% in favor of sharing information widely in the tradition of this site (and that remaining one percent would probably be shamed into changing their minds!) I like the idea being an owners' group that other folks turn to because of the expertise and experience contained in this forum. (I just wish I had more of that expertise personally!)
Happy boating,
 
You bet,


I'd love to have you over to check it out, especially if your right down the street. Yeah tough decision, as I really loved the CD and more than that this group. But after evaluating my needs and wants chose the Defiance, just had a slight edge over the CD in my uses as I fish more than cruise, but every boats a compromise. I'm starting pretty basic on electronics. Scotty electric riggers of course, not sure which VHF yet, Garmin 178 C sounder/GPS (free with boat purchase at everett show) and thats it for now. Taking the Garmin because it's a good unit, But I got the radar arch so I could use it. After going out on the Susan E, Irealized just how nice they are, so I will upgrade to a fully intergrated system within the next year or so. The boat already has raw and freshwater washdown, cockpit lights, flood lights, livewell, and fish box, swim step, and all the other standard goodies. As far as the PSA event I'm really not sure yet, I'm thinking about it though, sounds like a blast and I hear those springers are the best eating salmon around! Sockeye is a for sure with me. I'll try and keep a spot open for you on the dock if you want. Probably will have a barbeque afterwards if the weather is right too.

Otter,
Thats kinda what I thought, everyone here is so nice I just couldn't see them telling me to take a hike, I was sure I'd get some help. Thanks all

Mr. Defiance
:D (sark)
 
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