drilling into fiberglass

[double3fd]

hey, i just got my new boat, (im in love) and i got a white pvc type pole holder that holds four poles.  i want to drill it into the side of the boat.  is there any special way to do this?  do i have to worry about anything cracking?  or can i just drill straight into the boat? 

any tips, sugesstions?  thanks

[Hotrod]

Are you drilling out the Side??

Show us some pics..

[ped579]

Like Rod said show some pictures.

Yes cracking could be a problem along with the bit walking and scratching  USE MASKING TAPE to mark and drill through.

[double3fd]

the one pic is the actual picture of my boat.  the other pic, is from the internet.  i want to drill my rod rack into the inside of the boat side.  so to the left of the the cooler seat. 

im not a handy man so im not sure what to do.  there are four holes i would have to drill.  so do i worry about anything or just go ahead and drill into the side?

[Hotrod]

Yea.  that looks like a double wall there.  as long as your not going to pop out the other side.. almost made that mistake with mine..  Drill your holes..  like you would anything else.  make sure you use the right size bit for the screw and fill the holes with the 3m sealant.  I forget off hand the #  but always use the silicone in all holes

[ped579]

I would put masking tape over the area you are going to drill.  Mark the holes on the masking tape and start to drill very slowly at first once the hole has started you should be good.

Once you put the bolt through I would make sure to put a stainless steel washer and a lock washer on top of that as vibration will work the nut loose over time.

Good luck...

Paul

[Maritime Matt]

When ever I do any drilling, I always drill a smaller hole first. Then I use a counter sink bit lightly on the hole so as not to chip the surrounding edges. Then I'll go to the next size bit or the correct size bit. If using self-tapping, use silicone on the screws before you install them. Capt.Matt.

[PeggyLee]

Congratulations !!!
I really do not like to drill any holes.
If you really have to then:
Tape over the spot with duck tape to prevent cracking and chipping
Use a step up drill size for each hole
Fill with calking
Measure twice and drill once!!!!!!!!!.
Good Luck with your project,   AJ.

[double3fd]

great, thanks for the tips!!!!