babbot1 wrote:
I have to tackle this job someday as well. I have that fear that most have drilling holes in the hull.
How did you measure where the hole would line up? Did you use a window as reference or something?
Both times I've done this, I taped a heavy duty magnet inside the hull, where I thought it would work best and matched it up to a magnet on the outside of the boat. After that - get the outside situated where it's aesthetically pleasing, match up the inside and ensure it works. Use a hole saw and go! As always with drilling into gelcoat, I cover the area with painters tape and start drilling in reverse to prevent chipping.