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drilling into fiberglass

PostPosted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 3:19 pm
by psness
I need to drill through the transom to install new gudgeons and mounting blocks. Anything unique or any tips on drilling through fiberglass? Will it crack away from the hole easily?

PostPosted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 11:46 pm
by Roger
No special tricks. Just let up on the pressure a bit as you are about to break through. Drilling through fiberglass is just slightly less resistance that driling through wood. If you think it will chip the gelcoat, and you really don't want that, then put a piece of masking tape on the entry and exit and drill through that. It will reduce the chipping, although it tends to be fairly limited especially if you reduce the pressure. I think the core of the transom is wood, although I am not sure. I drilled part way in a couple of days ago to attach a swim ladder, but didn't seem to go deep enough to get sawdust.

PostPosted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 3:18 pm
by Guest
My 1974 DS II has a wood-cored transom. Wear eye protection and, if you have any sensitivity to epoxy or similar types of products, wear at least a curgical mask.


Bob (rowerw-at-comcast.ne)