Skin Fittings in a Ferro Hull

[Steve Kidson]

I am currently fitting out a Hartley 32, and need to make some holes for skin fittings for head plumbing, as well as transducers for depth, log etc.

Colin Brooks' book has a method involving a series of small holes around the circumference of the hole to be made etc etc.

Has anyone had success with any alternative methods. I was tinking that a diamond tip core hole, like used in construction to cut through concrete slabs would work, be easier and neater.

Over to the brains trust.

Cheers

Steve

[Boracay]

If you can get a diamond tipped hole saw then go with it.
Making holes in well made ferro cement is a B#@%****.

[Alan Wheeler]

I did just that about a month back. It makes a very tidy job.

[Steve Kidson]

Thanks guys;

Chris, your not wrong, have been fitting new teak around sheerline, and have had great difficulty in drilling through to be able to screw to timber beam inside boat. Used a combination of "find the old holes" and expoy adhesive and many clamps, including ratchet straps from the truck!

Alan, thank you for your comment confirming what I thought was a much cleaner, easier and quicker method.

Hope to be back in the water by mid year.

Cheers

Steve

[Alan Wheeler]

I found you need two things. A good Electric Airhammer impact drill. The best battery one I have ever come across is the DeWalt 24V unit. And the second is a good masonary bit. The big DeWalt uses an SDS captivating system for the bits. Although the DeWalt bits are good, I use another one called.......??? Dang, can't remember the name, but they come in a blue labeled plastic case. Anyway, the bit ends will handle steel rienforcing mesh. Not sure if the would handle pipe if your boat used that in the frames.
I also use the smaller Diamond hole cutters for grinding out holes as well, If I needed a bigger skin fitting etc.