Drilling Into Gel Coat

[Garn]

So what is the proper way to drill into gel coat. I would like to have a snap on cover made to cover my open bow. There is an uphosterly place where I live who custom makes them. But i want to be sure he knows what he is doing when it comes to drilling into the gel coat.

Thanks,

Garn

[Razzman]

The proper way is to run the drill bit backwards until it bores through the gelcoat then switch to forward. I always prefer to tape any area i'm drilling as well to help prevent skating.

[maxpower220]

Once you have the hole, sand the edges so the it is smooth, this will reduce the chance of "stress" cracks forming.

[flex]

i installed a monster tower on my last boat and there instruction manuel has a step by step illustration of how to drill trough the fiberglass. here is a link, if the link doesn't work you can download at there site on the installation help page.

http://www.monstertower.com/Portals/...nersManual.pdf

[mmandley]

Props to any of you guys who install there own towers, or drill any holes threw the Gel coat on your boats.

I was about sick to my stomach with stress when i drilled the hole for my tower speakers from the cubby to the tower foot. I just dont know if i could do it in the Gel coat

[kaneboats]

I remember the first time I drilled one. I had a runabout that was real cute but really basic. It had no speedo or tach. I drilled 3 1/2" holes on either side of the steering wheel to add in the gauges. I was scared to death. After that I was never worried again. Cutting the little holes for the tower install was no big deal even though it was a much more expensive boat.

[Razzman]

I got you guys all beat, do this one!

[brownski]

You trying to mount a spotlight on the bow?

[Razzman]

Uh no. Flip up bow nav light.

[brownski]

That is nice, looks bigger in the first pic, maybe the camera adds 5lbs.