Bilge Outlet Hole

[gc4]

Hey guys,

I've read a few things about drilling the hole for the bilge outlet but I wanted to clear some stuff up.
I'm a little nervous about drilling through the gelcoat. How do you guys drill the hole without any chipping? I know its probably quite easy, just want to know what I'm doing before I do it.

Thanks

 

[ksarge91]

I cover the area I want to drill with masking tape to keep the drill from slipping innitially. You won't have a problem.

 

[gc4]

And you just use a regular hole saw?

 

[rrlc]

And you just use a regular hole saw?

Yes. Don't be scared, just go for it.

 

[ChrisGooch]

spin the hole saw backwards until you are through the gelcoat. I did it this way, no cracks or chips.

 

[brett]

it was tough the first time, but ya gotta do it

 

[Etheraldreamer]

drill backwards as stated above until the teeth are all the way through the gel. then if the motor is out or you have room drill from the inside lining up the pilot hole from the holesaw. thats what ive done anyway. works like a champ. ive even used a spade bit before with the same technique, no chips or cracks. with that said i probably wouldnt RECOMMEND you use a spade bit LOL

 

[FyrHazard]

I put masking tape on the outside and use an expansion (or step) bit. Pretty clean cut

 

[ksarge91]

Even if the outer edges of the hole chip a little bit that will most likely be covered by the face of the outlet. The first time's painful but there's many more holes to come!

 

[Shonuff]

I just grabbed the four inch hole saw and went to work.

 

[gc4]

Yeah, I was thinking 4-5 inches would make a nice snug hole. Haha

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[Shonuff]

Yeah, I was thinking 4-5 inches would make a nice snug hole. Haha

Thanks for the advice guys.

Good luck. Take lots of pictures of your progress with a nice writeup so we can put it in the Tech FAQ section. Have a good holiday.

 

[ger87410]

I drill backwards the entire way. Takes longer, but it seems to do a good job.

Any small chips around the hole will be covered by the fitting, anyways.

 

[QuickMick]

Not only did I drill backwards, I put my ski under my drill press so I could put the drill in automatic feed. I used a 2 inch holesaw to start out and stepped up to the 4" as Shonuff stated.
No issues.