First Hole is the Hardest

[arknoah]

It’s true - the first hole you make in your boat -- on purpose, that is -- is the hardest one to make. I t’s also true that once you make the first hole, all the others are no big deal. Over the weekend, I installed a single line reefing system on the boat, the first modification I did myself without benefit of paying a marina or other professional. For those of you who have done this numerous times before, it may not be a big thing, but to me it was huge.

I purchased a kit from Barton Marine, and except for the challenge of matching metric to English (thank goodness for my local TruValue and Lowes), I was able to pull it off, including installing an extra cleat which I’ll need to lead the reefing line to the cockpit. I don’t have a deck organizer yet, and should receive it next week. I do have the cleat lined up just fine for once I get the deck organizer; it didn’t make much sense not take care of them item yesterday.

Of course, I wanted to let the pieces that I installed on the deck take the full 24 hours to cure, but even without that, the wind was non-existent today on the river so I didn’t go out. But when I do, you can bet I’m going to reef the sail just because now, I can!

Now that I have this really neat cordless drill, I wonder what I should do next?

 

[doehunter]

It’s true - the first hole you make in your boat -- on purpose, that is -- is the hardest one to make. I t’s also true that once you make the first hole, all the others are no big deal. Over the weekend, I installed a single line reefing system on the boat, the first modification I did myself without benefit of paying a marina or other professional. For those of you who have done this numerous times before, it may not be a big thing, but to me it was huge.

I purchased a kit from Barton Marine, and except for the challenge of matching metric to English (thank goodness for my local TruValue and Lowes), I was able to pull it off, including installing an extra cleat which I’ll need to lead the reefing line to the cockpit. I don’t have a deck organizer yet, and should receive it next week. I do have the cleat lined up just fine for once I get the deck organizer; it didn’t make much sense not take care of them item yesterday.

Of course, I wanted to let the pieces that I installed on the deck take the full 24 hours to cure, but even without that, the wind was non-existent today on the river so I didn’t go out. But when I do, you can bet I’m going to ref the sail just because now, I can!

Now that I have this really neat cordless drill, I wonder what I should do next?

Don't feel bad.
I cringe every time I cut/drill too. It's getting a little easier but I DEFINATELY do not want to want to end up saying "what was I thinking" afterwards!
It get's easier for me if it's a mod I've seen already on another boat.

 

[justsomeguy]

I wouldn't put a hole in my boat without knowing how to patch it. However, for me, the hardest hole to make is the next one. I agonize over placement for days, it seems...

 

[wetass]

My own rule is that I have to repair 4 holes for every one I make. A previous owner must have had a drill fetish so I will never run out of opportunities to patch holes ;-) Actually I have quite a nice backlog built up since i still have a hard time drilling new ones.

 

[Sail123]

I am new at this, or renewed. Sat out about twenty five years. Went with extreme motorcycles. Decided to ditch the bikes before they ditch me. I have yet to drill a hole in my new baby. But I will. Over the winter getting it ready to unveil on the slip this spring.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Ihave drilled thousands of holes in boats and I now do it with temerity. But, like they say, measure twice and drill once. If it is in the hull, make it a snug fit and caulk it properly with the right caulk (never use silicone under the waterline - never use 3M 5200 or an "adhesive" caulk if you ever might need to remove it). Don't expect caulking big gaps around your through hull will keep the boat afloat if your hole is too big. Cut the hole so the fitting is snug and then caulk (polysuflide caulk like Life Calk or 3M 101 - I like the former best for underwater use). Silicone can be used on the deck for cleats, winches and other hardware like stanchions, etc.