Hole drilling anxiety

[robl132]

OK, I've got the new C-Dory. It's all good. But, now comes the time to start drilling holes in my new baby. How do you get over the hole drilling anxiety? I absolutely freeze up. Suggestions?

Rob

[SeaSpray]

Hi Rob,

It is hard to drill the first hole. A good friend of mine bought a new boat about the same time last year that I bought mine. He wanted to install an hour meter. He read the directions and it said to drill a certain size hole for the meter. He drilled the hole in his dash and then tried the meter and the hole was 1/2 in oversized!
He said he got so mad he just about through his drill across the driveway. He was able to use a cover plate and install the meter and it looks okay.

When I install things I always tell myself that if I really screw this up I can take it back to the factory and they can make it look like new again - it will just cost money. That is the benefit of fiberglass. I have made a couple of mistakes but they have not been too bad.

Good luck with your projects.

It would be fun to see your boat. I will probably try take my boat out Sunday launching from Pittsburg or Bethel Island. Let me know if you are interested in meeting up on the water sometime. Maybe a cruise up to Locke for steak at Al's place.

Steve
SeaSpray
CD22

[katkt]

Mask off the area your drilling, don't forget to bevel the edges of the holes. Double check everything, dimensions, size of bit, whats behind what your drilling into.
I always think of the boat as a basic package the things you add only improve it(hopefully). Its always easier to drill a hole if your improving something(its one of those glass is half full kind of things)
Start with the simple things first, and graduate to the tougher task as your skill and confidence improves.

Git-R-Done

[Larry H]

It took me two days of being ready, but not being able to pull the trigger on the drill, before I drilled my first hole in my new cruiser.

It never hurts (if you are on your own time) to wait, double and triple check everything prior to making the holes.

[Da Nag]

Here's a good thread describing some techniques. In particular, proper drill bit selection is very important.

Also, scrap plywood and templates are your friends...I always "install" things off the boat first.

[Guts]

When drilling with a hole saw run the pilot bit in first then put on the hole saw and run it in reverse till it scores the gel-coat them cut the hole. I like to use temples and cut holes with a router.
My Two Cents
Guts

[robl132]

Yahoo! I followed all your kind suggestions. Everything came out fine. Whew. Thank you all. Seabran Steve, sounds great, I'll contact you shortly.

Rob