Drilling Into a Mercury 4 stroke EFI Engine Cover

[Skyharbor]

Hi everyone, my first Forum entry!

I have an odd question for the Merc Gurus out there.

I have a 2017 Bayliner VR5 20 foot Runabout with a 115 Merc Outboard, 4 stroke EFI engine. I will tow with a Hyundai Palisade, so with the SUV and boat/trailer, I am pretty long. To make it easier and safer when driving, I got one of those rear view camera set ups that can be attached to the rear of the boat/trailer that connects to a monitor that I can mount on my dashboard much like how a Garmin screen mounts with suction cups. The best place to put the camera is on top of the Merc engine cover. It would give me the best view of traffic behind me, but I don't want to willy nilly drill into the cover without any guidance. I am not sure what the material is, some sort of plastic or fiberglas? Any one have any suggestions on the best way to drill into the cover without splitting or cracking the material? I could glue the camera holder to be sure, but the camera does come with some bolts for a more permanent application. Ideas?

 

[QBhoy]

I’d strongly urge you to come up with another solution. All the best.

 

[Skyharbor]

So use glue rather than drilling??
Tnx. G

 

[QBhoy]

So use glue rather than drilling??
Tnx. G

Might be better. Or a 3m mounting pad or something. Can it not go anywhere else ?

 

[Skyharbor]

the only place with an unobstructed view is on top of the engine. I thought the bimini frame, but no real way to affix it.

Not sure what a 3M pad is?

 

[QBhoy]

the only place with an unobstructed view is on top of the engine. I thought the bimini frame, but no real way to affix it.

Not sure what a 3M pad is?

It’s a double sided sticky mounting pad I have used for mounting chart plotters and fish finders on my dash (without the need to drill holes) very cheap and effective. Most of all...not permanent damage causing

 

[Skyharbor]

Thanks...I Googled it and found out what you mean. It is a good option if it can withstand wind at 60 mph. Inside the cabin it would work but not sure with wind speed. Anyone with experience with these pads and wind?