WHat tool do I need to do this?

[kozman01]

I'm looking at installing a voltmeter into my fiberglass dash. What is the name of the tool that I need to drill the hole into the dash and is there any special things I need to do to prevent myself from screwing this up? Thanks for the help.

 

[ufm82]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

The proper size holesaw is all you need- check the gauge paperwork. It should tell you what size hole you'll need to cut. When you go to drill the hole, start the centering drill bit and then go slowly, making sure the saw cuts evenly. Go slow and cut your way through the gelcoat so you don't chip it. <br /><br /> Even if you do chip the edge a bit, the bezel of the gauge should cover it. BUT. if you take is slowly and watch the saw cut, you can prevent any chipping. Use a variable speed drill of course to do this. <br /><br /> Not a tough job but anytime you cut holes in your boat, you'll sweat just a bit.

 

[kozman01]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

 

[AaronG]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

Put masking tape over the area you are drilling. That will keep the hole saw from chipping the gelcoat

 

[ramster]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

After carefully drilling thru with the pilot bit, you can run the drill in reverse to make a starter groove with the hole saw cutter, this will help avoid chipping, use light, even pressure.

 

[murphini]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

AaronG is right---First put down masking tape, THEN run drill in reverse. I put a Monster Tower on my boat and instx said to drill in reverse. I did for 7 of the 8 holes and it worked great. Forgot on one and drilled regular and it started chipping gelcoat right away. Luckily the chips are under the footings so it can't be seen.<br /><br />May want to wear a respirator mask/eye protection and have your shop vac next to the drilling to suck up all the fiberglass dust while you are drilling. It's a sweet smelling mess of fine particles.

 

[kozman01]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

I knew I could come here and get all the right answers. Thank you gentlemen.

 

[ANDREW SMITH]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

Koz, your gonna cut into your brand new SeaRay 180??? Just Kiddin, My SR180 has a blank hole in the instrument panel for a Depth sounder, could you use that for your Voltmeter??

 

[kozman01]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

That's where they put the depth sounder. THat year didn't come with the voltmeter??? I'm actiully going to move the depth sounder and put the voltmeter where the sounder is so all the gauges on the dash are all the same. The hole for the depth sounder will be off to the side somewhere, just not sure where yet. Trust me, I'm freaking out about cutting it. I was going to mount this very nice aluminum gps mount but after looking at it, I'm just going to velco the unit somewhere. I didn't want to drill four holes in the dash for the mount. It wasn't that important to me. I can't believe the thing doesn't have a voltmeter installed. The dealer installed the depth sounder as part of the deal and I went back a few days later and voiced my concerns over no voltmeter so he gave me one of those as well. I think I should have voltmeter installed, right??

 

[mattttt25]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

all good advice above. masking tape is key. can also use a rotozip, that's what i always use. but for a small guage, holesaw should be fine.<br /><br />before you start cutting, no chance you'll install a fishfinder? most have a voltmeter built in.

 

[rwidman]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

If you don't know the name of the tool, the chances are you've never used one before. Before you start drilling on your brand new boat, I suggest you get a scrap of plywood and make a few holes to get the feel of what you are about to do.

 

[kozman01]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

I won't install my gps mount so I don't think I'd put a fishfinder on. I really don't have a reason to use the fishfinder. I'd actually like to move the depthsounder that was installed in the dash and put the stock voltmeter in it's space so the entire dash is made up of stock gauges and I can mount the deptsounder elsewhere. I will surely practice before cutting the boat I'm half tempted to just wire the depth sounder through the built in cup holder and just let it sit in there. Won't look great, but no putting a hole in my dash. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

mattttt25<br /><br />

before you start cutting, no chance you'll install a fishfinder? most have a voltmeter built in

....not sure what kind of fish finder you have but I've never seen one that has that option

 

[rwidman]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

I look at my depth sounder much more often than I look at the voltmeter.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

bob- both lowrance f/f units i have owned provided voltage. reason is that f/f won't operate properly unless voltage is within a small range. surprised your f/f doesn't have the feature.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

Hey Matt...thanks I learned something then. I had no idea some of them could display voltage. My unit is an older Raytheon combination LoranC, depth, fish finder and plotter with temp and speed, does everything except display voltage.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

Not sure why the double post?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

One more note:<br /><br />DO NOT buy the cheap hole saw! The one with multiple sizes that fit into a round plate with grooves. Buy a good quality single-size hole saw that is the right diameter, with a removable center drill and arbor. The cheap ones will break almost every time. It's well worth the extra bucks.

 

[ANDREW SMITH]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

Kozman, why don't you send your Depth guage to me, and I'll install it in my dash panel.LOL. Say, just a suggestion, hook up a cheap multimeter to your battery, then just lift your starboard jump seat cusion and look at the voltage. No cutting required. If I may ask you a question about your temperature guage, mine reads about 190F at normal crusing speed, what does yours read?

 

[kozman01]

Re: WHat tool do I need to do this?

Thanks again for the advice gentlemen. That's not a bad idea on mounting the meter under that jump seat. I'll have to look at that more. I'm glad you asked ont he temp gauge and I was wondering that myself. Mine starts to drop at 180-190. I checked the manual and my motor has a stainless steel thermostate that fully opens at 185. The 3.0's under a certian serial # have the other thermostat. I can't rememeber what kind of metal it was, but I think it was fully open at something like 165 or 170, something like that. They probably bumped up the thermostat to keep the engine hotter since a hotter engine burns fuel better. Now if it's better for the engine itself, I don't know about that.