Smart tabs...how deep to drill?

[gsxr150]

Guys, I have a set of smart tabs sx. Also, the proper size drill bit. But how deep do I drill the holes? The video looks like a quarter inch? Sound about right?

 

[scoutboater]

Re: Smart tabs...how deep to drill?

I've not installed any so I can't say for sure, but my first attempt would be to figure out just how far the screws (I assume you are mounting with screws?) go into the transom, and drill that far. As always when drilling holes in a boat, make sure you seal the holes with something like 5200 so that you don't chance rotting out your transom.

 

[gsxr150]

Re: Smart tabs...how deep to drill?

Yes, I have 4200 based on the reviews here. It kind of cracks me up that the instructions don't say how far to drill in... I'm assuming I will measure the screw and wrap some tape on my bit to stop the drill from going in to far.

Surely, someone here has installed them and will know. I'm going at it tomorrow...yikes! :redface:

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Smart tabs...how deep to drill?

as long as you drill through the glass, the screw will go through the wood on its own.... LOOK inside though.... you's be awful sick if the bit popped through the glass into a battery or fuel tank or.................

 

[shrew]

Re: Smart tabs...how deep to drill?

You don't need to drill deeper than the screw you're going to use. measure from the bottom of the screw head to the tip of the screw. Measure the same distance from the tip of the drill bit. Mark the spot on the drill bit by wrapping the drill bit with some masking tape. The drill bit tip will be exposed and the tape will begin where you want to STOP drilling. Now drill until you reach the tape on the drill bit.

Another thing to consider. Insert the screw into whatever mounting bracket you are using. Now measure the amount of screw that is actually exposed. Sometimes a flat plate is negligible. sometimes the amount of exposed screw is 1/2 of the total length of the screw because of the bracket. So, to make sure, insert the screw into the mounting bracket. Measure the exposed part of the screw. This will be the length of screw penetration. Now measure and mark the drill bit for the actual amount of penetration.

Now your hole is no deeper than the screw you're using. If the manufacturer provided the mounting hardware, they are assuming that you would not pre-drill deeper than the screw is long.

 

[Steve91T]

Re: Smart tabs...how deep to drill?

I just installed mine the other day. I just drilled carefully until I hit wood, then went just a touch further and then stopped. I packed the hole full of 4200, and even smeared some around the outside of the hole, so there's no chance water can get it.

Honestly, as long as you just go until you hit wood, then you are fine.

It's just what I did, and it seemed to work OK.

PS, you're going to love those things!

Steve

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Smart tabs...how deep to drill?

The instructions for my Bennett trim tabs specified dipping the screws in epoxy, to seal them before installation. Holes should be considered pilot holes and be a size or two smaller than the screws.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Smart tabs...how deep to drill?

Link for pilot hole sizes.

http://www.mcfeelys.com/tech/wadb.htm