Installing sidemount 'shark eye' nav lights- advice please

[GHBAY]

Looking to put in a set of sidelights- something like these seasense ones sold here:

I am a bit surprised at how large the are-- anyone put these in? curious if there are similar ones that don't require such a significant hole through the hull. I have new gelcoat- a bit apprehensive if putting such a large install hole in it.

How does one drill a large hole into virgin gel without cracking? just go larger and large as I go and try not to cry if I chip it??

thanks

 

[64osby]

No glass expert here, but I would look at using a hole saw of the proper size. Drill 2 holes per side and cut the straight area with a dremel Drill slow and easy.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

I cover the drilling area with strong painters tape or duct tape before drilling and drill the hole into the tape and I use a fine tooth hole saw. This minimize the chance of chipping the gel

 

[bigdirty]

Id second the tape method, and I have an old 2 speed jig saw I use for similar jobs. low speed, find tooth blade, and go real slow, just let it cut, don't push. Cut a large deck section out of my boat last year this way, had very minimal chipping/cracking.

 

[StingrayMike]

For cutting through gel coat and fiberglass at work, we use a carbide bit blade on a jig saw. Works great and there is no chipping

 

[redneck joe]

Ahole is a hole. Size doesnt matter. As stated slow with nice fine tooth