Thru Hull Removal

[PatTormey]

Here is a quick and easy way to safely remove old thru hulls.
First bang a wooden plug into the hole, then cut the plug off about an inch away from the hull, then select a hole saw just big enough to go over the plug and engage the flange. Spin the hole saw until the flange frees up.
Banged, the plug will not spin so the hole saw stays centered, the extra inch or so it to stabilize the saw's bit as it starts.

Pat
Blue Skies
Portsmouth NH

 

[njlarry]

Thanks. Ingenious.
Two other ways. An oscillating tool from inside or outside the hull. A Sawzall with long flexable blade from outside the hull.
Any others?

 

[BigEasy]

Last time I removed mine I used a grinder at the interface of the exterior flange where it meets the thru hull hole. The hull surface of the thru hull is concave & filled with sealer; when you see a 360* rim of sealer, you're finished grinding. Pop off the flange with a chisel or screwdriver. Should take about 5 minutes with no damage to hull. Enclosed goggles & respirator necessary.

 

[Gunni]

Brilliant! I love it when smart use of a power tool makes my life easier!

 

[Mike Culik]

A couple years ago I tried the wrench method and quickly gave up. Then i did what BigEasy did and ground off the outside flange with my 41/2 inch grinder. Had 4 thru hulls to do and it took less than 15 minutes.