Now I've done it! I drilled holes through my hull!!!

[bear_69cuda]

Yep, 6 of em'

Installing the snaps on the deck for carpet, and with my drill bit set up with tape for depth marker of snap screw, I drilled through the hull! So since I just finished my boat and was planning on getting out this weekend, I was hoping in my current panic state someone could calm me down, and say bear it's gonna be cool dude! The holes look like the very end, maybe 1-2 mm of the screw tip popped through the gel coat. Cracking small areas also.

HELP!

I guess I assumed the snap screws the marine upholsterer gave me wouldn't have issues. Darn it!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Now I've done it! I drilled holes through my hull!!!

Well dont panic..... you are not the first.

I would seal any holes outside with 3m5200 or tiny dabs of marine epoxy.

You will have some gel coat repairs to do after you have had your fun this weekend.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Now I've done it! I drilled holes through my hull!!!

I have marine-tex and 5200... Should I clean up the loose cracked gel-coat, before I apply. Is one better than the other? what about he hole top-side? I could use washers on the snap screws so they don't penetrate to far, and seal with 4200?

 

[NickAndJena]

Re: Now I've done it! I drilled holes through my hull!!!

Bob saves the day (or the weekend)!

I didn't know what to say... Sorry for the mishap but after reading what Bob explained it's probably going to be an easier fix than I originally imagined.

Nick

 

[Mark42]

Re: Now I've done it! I drilled holes through my hull!!!

Bear, not the worst of problems. Yep, a little marine tex will take care of them. I would remove the snap screws, then shorten them up 1/4 " on a bench grinder. Then after sealing the holes, re-insert the snaps. Being that the holes are on the bottom, I don't even know if its worth patching with anything more than some epoxy. If you really want to gel coat the repairs, use polyester resin and thicken it for filling the holes, then gel coat. But don't gel coat over the marine tex.

There are little chips of gel around the holes, right? Break off any loose flakes, and use one of those small pointed grinding stones that fit a cordless drill and grind the hole smooth before filling. Then either paint it or gel coat, depending on what you filled with.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Now I've done it! I drilled holes through my hull!!!

Thanks gang!,

I'm chill now...

Gonna drink a beer and get to business...

Thanks again!

You folks rule!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Now I've done it! I drilled holes through my hull!!!

BTW, how long are the screws? I figured they were only about 3/4" or so, but if they are longer, you can cut them back more. Put some epoxy on the threads when you put them in so they don't come loose or pull out.

I hope this is the biggest problem you have! That boat is just too cool to be kept off the water.

Enjoy the weekend. And get some video of the boat out on the water!

Regards,

Mark

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Now I've done it! I drilled holes through my hull!!!

Ok Bear repeat after me Caapet we dont need no steenkin caapet we got alea luggs .



Rick