Cutting hole in hull. Help!

[Lootas1]

Bought a bilge pump for my '61 Larson Sea Lion and am contiplating cutting a hole through the hull as there previously hasn't been a bilge pump in it. It is kind of a scary thought to me as I don't know whether a regular hole saw on a 3/8th drill will go through that fiberglass. I have one drain for a sink and was thinking of putting in a T so I could switch from bilge to sink drain but the thru hull fitting in only 1/2 inch ID and the bilge pump throws a lot of water and has a 3/4th ID outlet. What do you think? Would that work?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Cutting hole in hull. Help!

They make fittings out of plactic materiels. Most of the holes are 3/4" and install the fitting with 5200 sealant. Make sure it is as high as you can get it on the side of the hull.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Cutting hole in hull. Help!

use a separate, thru hull fitting, high as Bob said. i recommend a bilge pump that is automatic, and has the manual switch also.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Cutting hole in hull. Help!

I think a good sharp hole saw will work fine. have someone squirt water on the tool as you're cutting to keep the cutting edge of the saw cool.

 

[flashback]

Re: Cutting hole in hull. Help!

lootas, you should have no problem using a standard hole saw for your project, it will work fine........the glass is a little hard on the saw but it will last for several holes before it gets too dull to cut..

 

[Lootas1]

Re: Cutting hole in hull. Help!

Bought a bilge pump for my '61 Larson Sea Lion and am contiplating cutting a hole through the hull as there previously hasn't been a bilge pump in it. It is kind of a scary thought to me as I don't know whether a regular hole saw on a 3/8th drill will go through that fiberglass. I have one drain for a sink and was thinking of putting in a T so I could switch from bilge to sink drain but the thru hull fitting in only 1/2 inch ID and the bilge pump throws a lot of water and has a 3/4th ID outlet. What do you think? Would that work?

Thanks Guys. You've given me the courage to give it a shot. New hole saw. Cut high. Cool the saw. Install float switch!

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Cutting hole in hull. Help!

A hole saw with carbide tipped blades will last much longer.