Drill it already!!!

[jtexas]

Re: Drill it already!!!

I've run across many a boat that had what looked like Woodpeckers for owners.

Think Twice-Drill ONCE!

Or, as I like to call it, "Think Twice-Drill Once...more"

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Drill it already!!!

all those bolts were there, except for the Jack Plate, when i got the boat, replaced transom, and just put them back thru. i never leaked a drop.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Drill it already!!!

Painting my boat and I filled I believe 18 holes in just the transom, the hull was still dry so nomne of them leaked but over the 27 year hisstory of the boat it has many transducers ect hung on it.

I can see the guys point and we shouldn't dog him for asking a question, what seems obviuos to one person is a mystery to someone else.

My point, any question is valid and we should do our best to make all those here feel welcome and for them to know they have a place to come to get questions answered regarless of what you think of the question, we all knew nothing at one point.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Drill it already!!!

the only reason I was unhappy about drilling holes for my transducer is because my boat is a 68 Alumacraft. it went through 40 years without a single dent, hole or scratch and here I sit drill in hand.....

I just made sure I measured three times and used sealant.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Drill it already!!!

i have a fresh glecoat job on my mckee and drilling a hole aint cool plus hull
is thick and filled so i had to hit orig build blocking,but measured 5 times
ate some nerve pills got some 5200 and all came out great but know have to mount bow rails have a 16 x52 cjun welded and riveted if i get a hole tig it ,down here the alum boats take a beating i can get a 6inch rip tigged
for 30 bucks

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Drill it already!!!

I've used the small square peel and stick mounting blocks for zip ties before, they stick very well, much better than I thought they would. I "temporarily" (seven years) mounted a transducer and routed the wires and cables with them. It took much more effort than I thought it would when I took them off.

You can use zip ties to secure it to the blocks, if you put it in the wrong spot, just pop that one off and put on another one. Later when the boats gets to the point were you don?t care so much you can drill it then.

 

[new_boater]

Re: Drill it already!!!

I don't know what the previous owner done to the aluminum deep V boat that I now own. The boat was stipped when I bought it several months back, so nothing on the transom was in place. It looked like was shot with buckshot it had so many holes in it. I bolted the new transom in and sealed every hole the best I could with silicon. So far after 3 or 4 test runs with it while tinkering with/adjusting the motor it hasn't let in a drop of water.

not sure how the pros missed this

silicon is the wrong thing to use 3m4200 or 3m5200 is what should be used
silicon is not designed for this that is why everyone has to redo thier tubs/showers every few years

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Drill it already!!!

not sure how the pros missed this

silicon is the wrong thing to use 3m4200 or 3m5200 is what should be used
silicon is not designed for this that is why everyone has to redo thier tubs/showers every few years

I know I said "Silicon", I was mistaken when I said that, but what I used still isn't 3m brand, but it is not silicon. My bad don't know what I was thinking when I said that. I know the dates is off on my camera, I keep forgetting about that. I haven't adjusted the trailer for that boat yet, the trailer had a semi V fiberglass boat on it originally, and yes it does need some TLC. Here is a picture of the back of my boat, 33 holes if I counted right, if I add the transducer it would make 35.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Drill it already!!!

I thought I would bump this back to the top since alot of these I don't want to drill it posts are coming up again.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Drill it already!!!

I

How does that old Norweigan saying go: "I sawed that board off twice and it's still too short".

I always heard that was a Swede!

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Drill it already!!!

I always heard that was a Swede!

I couldn't make all of it out because of the thick Norwegian accent but my grandpa had alot of loud and interesting things to say about those sweedes. I always assumed it had to do with blondes in bikinis though.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Drill it already!!!

Regarding sealing through fittings, it helps to "break the glaze" on nice shiny fiberglass before applying sealer by a light rub with fine sand paper. This will let products like 4200 or Boatlife get a better grip on the 'glass because the surface will now have some tooth.

Have done this on Fuel Fill deck plates and bilge pump through hull fittings, and so far, no leaks at all. I only use Boatlife or 4200, never 5200.

I also measure about half a dozen times and mark everything on the hull with pencil. Really hate drilling holes in the wrong place!!!!

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Drill it already!!!

Seriously now, is taking advice from others who drill holes in their boat hull, really sound advice?

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Drill it already!!!

I call it "Manufacturing Dependancy Syndrome"

If it wasn't done in a factory or by a dealer, people are generally afraid. I have never been afraid, and havn't had to junk anything I cut, drilled, ground, hammered, or whatever.

Funny thing is with holes and fittings, it is seldom the fitting that fails- usually it is the hose or cheap clamp or a stupid human trick that creates a leak. Like using silicone (silicon is an element) caulking or setting a steel fuel tank or battery on the bilge line, wearing it though.

 

[jeffrobean]

Re: Drill it already!!!

This thread is great! I feel a lot better now.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Drill it already!!!

You feel better before or after you drilled? Or, after the chuckle from all of the advice? If I'm not mistaken, there is a section on this forum which is frequented by those making repairs to their boats damaged by water intrusion. So, drill more holes and join the ranks of those repairing damages to their boats. Those folks likely have the best advise, if not the warranty that came with your boat.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Drill it already!!!

It's only the first hole that hurts.

As a person to remain unnamed said about a subject to remain undiscussed...

DRILL BABY! DRILL!