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shorebird · 14-06-2013, 05:39

I am installing a propane locker vent, which is well below the bottom of the locker, but well above the waterline. I did search the forum and found some usefull information, but very little about actually drilling the hole. I'm thinking a regular drill bit, going slow, with someone holding a wood stop-block on the backside to minimize tear-out and chipping of the glass. I plan on using a very small bit from the inside out to locate a "stater" hole, then drill from the outside in, chamfering the gelcoat around the hole, before installing the through-hull. Does this sound about right? Is there a better bit to use? Forstner for example? should the glass be epoxied? Any other suggestions welcome.

**Cotemar** · 14-06-2013, 05:50

Glass drills easily with just standard drills.
Your drilling process is perfect.
No epoxy is needed on the drilled hole, just seal the thru-hull with Boatlife- Lifeseal

Vasco · 14-06-2013, 06:43

Is the hull solid glass or cored? If it's cored you should drill a slightly larger hole, fill with epoxy, and then drill for the through hull.

**minaret** · 14-06-2013, 06:49

Carbide abrasive hole saw is best. Regular hole saw used in reverse works too.

**minaret** · 14-06-2013, 06:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vasco

Is the hull solid glass or cored? If it's cored you should drill a slightly larger hole, fill with epoxy, and then drill for the through hull.

Don't know why people on this forum persist in giving this advice. This method is OK for very small diameter holes with no load on them. Don't see many screw holes with no load on a boat. Properly decoring while leaving both skins in place is vastly superior, and in many cases faster and easier.

Vasco · 14-06-2013, 07:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by minaret

Don't know why people on this forum persist in giving this advice. This method is OK for very small diameter holes with no load on them. Don't see many screw holes with no load on a boat. Properly decoring while leaving both skins in place is vastly superior, and in many cases faster and easier.

Through hull for propane locker vent does not require screws and there is no load on it.

**minaret** · 14-06-2013, 07:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vasco

Through hull for propane locker vent does not require screws and there is no load on it.

Duh. But why take twice as long for an inferior method?

**roverhi** · 14-06-2013, 07:07

Assuming the hole will be larger than a 1/2". If that's the case, use a hole saw and drill from one side till the pilot pops through then from the other side.