Advice on drilling into gelcoat to attach cup holders

[philipm]

I have two stainless steel cup holders which I have purchased and would like to fit into the cockpit of our beloved boat. Each cup holder is attached using 4 small screws

Before I make a hash of it, I'd appreciate any basic advice? Can I simply screw into the gelcoat or are pilot holes required?

Thanks!

 

[Catalina36]

EVO-STIK Seriously Strong Stuff Ultimate Adhesive

If it lets go, which it won't, the worst that can happen is you'll have to drill some holes...

 

[pvb]

Drill pilot holes carefully with a sharp drill. Run a countersink bit in the pilot hole to chamfer the edge of the gelcoat so it's less likely to crack when you screw into it. Check what's on the reverse side of the panel before you start drilling!

 

[Toodle-oo!]

Here's the best method I know of...

Bill

 

[LadyInBed]

Yes drill pilot hole, and assuming self tappers, make the final hole only minutely smaller than the screw OD else it might chip or cause spider cracks.

 

[pvb]

Here's the best method I know of...

He took over 7 minutes to say the same as I wrote in 3 short sentences!

 

[rogerthebodger]

I would just add if you can get behind either put a piece of wood to screw into

And Put some masking tape on where you wish to drill will help to stop the drill running off centre and protect the gelcoat from chipping.

 

[MarkCX]

I get best results using wood bits.
Not too much pressure to reduce likelihood of splintering on the reverse of the hole.

 

[Refueler]

As per pvb and Rogershaw ...

First matt surface tape to stop drill bit sliding and gives you better surface to mark. It also helps to reduce chipping / splintering.

When it comes to pilot holes ... I like to slowly build up in size till I get the final size needed. Making sure each drill is sharpest I can get and work carefully and not rush. Slow but sure ...
Finally as pvb says - countersink bit to chamfer the gelcoat to stop it splintering when screw goes in.

Depending on state of the laminate behind the Gel ... if its a bit sparse on resin ... I will run the screw in ... then take it out. Get thin Superglue and wick some in to harden up the thread you've cut. Before running screw in again - I spray activator into the hole to ensure the CA is not going to glue the screw in !!

 

[Praxinoscope]

I have always agreed with Hugo du Plessey that self tappers and GRP do not go together, self tappers cause a degree of delamination, but they seem to have become standard.
If at all possible I drill through a use machine screws and nuts.

 

[Refueler]

I have always agreed with Hugo du Plessey that self tappers and GRP do not go together, self tappers cause a degree of delamination, but they seem to have become standard.
If at all possible I drill through a use machine screws and nuts.

Its a Cup Holder ..... the two I have at back of cockpit on my boat are with double side tape and have been there about 10years !!

I just made sure I bought holders that have a small tab that sits on the gunwale horizontal ....

 

[MikeCC]

3M VHB tape

 

[fredrussell]

Good Lord Refueler, clean your cockpit!

I agree with above comment re glueing cup holders on. I have a real aversion to drilling holes in boat unless absolutely necessary, ie thing mounted is going to take some load or abuse. Adhesives these days are so good, save some future owner having to fill holes you have left.

 

[Refueler]

Good Lord Refueler, clean your cockpit!

I agree with above comment re glueing cup holders on. I have a real aversion to drilling holes in boat unless absolutely necessary, ie thing mounted is going to take some load or abuse. Adhesives these days are so good, save some future owner having to fill holes you have left.

That was taken after she'd sat through winter etc.

But I agree ... a bit embarrassing !!

 

[pvb]

I agree with above comment re glueing cup holders on. I have a real aversion to drilling holes in boat unless absolutely necessary, ie thing mounted is going to take some load or abuse. Adhesives these days are so good, save some future owner having to fill holes you have left.

I too hate drilling holes in the boat, but removing adhesive remains might be equally problematical for a future owner.

 

[eddystone]

Velcro

 

[ashtead]

We don’t know the type of cup holders the OP has in mind but some options:-
1 buy material type made by Mast which attach by Velcro and can be removed if required at end of season nd revel toed;
2 buy plastic ones in green and red to attach to rail so no screws, Velcro, epoxy etc required;
3buy ones to go on rail wire /guard wires held by Velcro flap and straps;
4 buy teak version to install and forget apart from treating each year of course;
5 buy plastic rubbish ones and aim to replace as plastic degenerates or place so that can be covered by canvas work wheN in port;
6 buy some clip on cup holders as per garden type
If already bought use smallest possible screws but bolts if achievable ie rear access might be best option for fixing securely with backing plate . My first choice would be the Velcro to work out for a season if placement worked.

 

[pvb]

My guess is that the OP has bought this type of cup holder, and I doubt that velcro would be very successful...

 

[Jabs]

Dont do it.

I have cupholders on either side of the binnacle held on with 3M tape.

Broke one and had a heck of a job to change it.

Why risk holes?? Cracks, scuffs etc?

Tony

 

[HissyFit]

If you do go with screw, please chant the mantra "Drill, fill, drill."