TOPIC: cutting hole in gelcoat

I have a 1967 Crestliner Marauder. The lake I have it on has many shallow areas and I want to mount a gauge like depth finder in the dash. This requires a 2 1/8" hole. The instructions for the gauage say to use hole saw. I was looking for someone who may have had some experience doing this. My plan is to put some quality painters tape over the area being cut and proceeding very slowly. Any input would be appreicated. b

You're right on the money so far Haplife, and welcome aboard. I guess it goes without saying to make sure the hole is where you want it, and that there is not any wiring, cables, etc. behind it. I generally drill a 1/8" pilot hole first, then bring in the hole saw.

thanks for the response Mark! I have checked behind where I plan to put the gauge and there is nothing there. the boat is pretty uncluttered!

haplife, mark is right on , but is he ever wrong. lol frog

I always place masking tape over the area the I am about to cut. Just the guy that builds boats near me said it helps to stop the chipping of the sides of the hole.

It does not cost much, so I do it

haplife,

WELCOME ABOARD.

yours, satx

Welcome aboard.

Figure out exactly where you want the hole and be sure you don't drill into anything behind it. Cover area with painters tape. Start by running the hole saw in reverse to start the cut through the gel coat. This will prevent it from chipping. Once through the gel coat run the saw in forward for the rest of the cut. After the cut use some penetrating epoxy on the bare wood in the dash now exposed by the new hole. You can also use 3-M 5200 smeared on the wood to seal it if you don't have any epoxy.

Also, it pays to buy a really good quality hole saw with the right number of teeth to cut fiberglass. There are coarse toothed cutters for wood, not so great for fiberglass.

Just wanted to thank everyone for the help. I see that this forum will be a great resource....and a lot of fun. I will let everyone know how it turned out.

Turtleheader I like that run in reverse trick, have to remember that one.