how do i know where i can drill?

[rbigg]

Got an old 18' CC Proline. I want to put some rod holders on/in the gunwales for outriggers and trolling. <br /><br />I know the areas where I'd like to have the rod holders (basically it's where I can simply lean right or left at the wheel and tend the rods. And, then a pair up just forward of the console so the guy in front can use a couple rods). <br /><br />There's good flat area along the spots where I'd like the holes to go.<br /><br />The big question is how the heck do the guys in the boat install/repair business know what's under a given spot, and whether it's OK to punch down through that particular spot?? How can I maximize my chances of the spots where I want to put the rod holders being OK for that purpose?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: how do i know where i can drill?

There is only two real ways to do this.<br /><br />1) Poke and hope<br />2) Find some way to access these areas, even if it requires some disassembly of side panels, trimwork or what ever it takes to be able to see or feel what is back there.

 

[crab bait]

Re: how do i know where i can drill?

old electrican's trick..bore a 1/4 hole.. <br /><br />take a piece of soild wire ..( 14 gauge or so ) if your wall is 2 inches thick.. bend an 1 3/4 in right angle in the wire.. <br /><br />insert wire in hole an spin it.. if not hit anything AT DIFFERENT elevations,, good to go..

 

[Bondo]

Re: how do i know where i can drill?

The big question is how the heck do the guys in the boat install/repair business know what's under a given spot, and whether it's OK to punch down through that particular spot?? How can I maximize my chances of the spots where I want to put the rod holders being OK for that purpose?

2) Find some way to access these areas, even if it requires some disassembly of side panels, trimwork or what ever it takes to be able to see or feel what is back there.

Ayuh,.............<br /><br />That's the Right Answer............