drilling / screwing into exterior hull.....

[NYSail]

Hello all,
So I am adding 2 small clam shell vent covers on my anchor locker drains that are right above the water line. The previous originals were plastic that have cracked / broken and faded..... New ones are ss and have three screw holes verses 1 for the old. I understand drilling a pilot hole however is there suggestions on not cracking the top finish once screwing in? I was thinking that I drill a pilot hole to proper depth then do an over-sized hole through the paint and gelcoat before screwing in. Suggestions all welcome

Greg

 

[dlochner]

Use a small counter sink drill bit, like these at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Xl1bvQ

You can also get them at most small and big box hardware stores.

 

[BigEasy]

Greg,
I know that you already purchased replacement clamshells that will certainly be more robust than the OEM covers; however you should be able to order replacements from Beneteau. No additional mounting holes required.

 

[NYSail]

Yes I did see that you can get them.... however I like the ss look and added robustness.

Thanks!

Greg

 

[BigEasy]

Know what you’re talking about. I chartered Beneteau’s for about 5 years before purchasing. Charter Co. always had problems with clients hitting & breaking the plastic clamshells when docking on floating docks!

 

[NYSail]

I busted one with the buffer......... the plastic was no match fop the Makita!

 

[kloudie1]

Glue the stainless one on with 5200?

 

[Tricia]

Start drilling with the drill in reverse. Once it's through the gelcoat, then change to forward. Then chamfer the holes a bit by running either a larger drill bit or a countersink in reverse. That should keep the gelcoat from chipping.

 

[BigEasy]

I busted one with the buffer......... the plastic was no match fop the Makita!

Glad that you mentioned that, I will be more careful next time I am buffing with the Makita!

 

[Bob S]

It's the size drill that matters. If you have a caliper, check the size of the existing hole for the original single screw or try fitting a drill into it. It has to be smaller than the outside diameter of the screw but not too much smaller or it will crack the surrounding glass.

 

[thinwater]

There is nothing wrong with gluing these on with 3M 4200 or similar. I would NOT drill holes for this. That is how the PDQ factory installed them, and I was glad.

 

[NYSail]

Well drilled the holes 1.5 inch fiberglass so only went in 1/4 inch. Drilled counter sunk, little butyl on each hole. Came out great. Thanks for advise....

Greg