I will be installing two fishing rod holders into the side gunwales of my 2002 Ciera Sunbridge 2655. They will be a 65 degree angle rod holder. The installation instructions indicate that the hole drilled into the fiberglass must be drilled at a 65 degree angle so the tube which holds the rod will fit properly and the top of the rod holder will fit flush with the fiberglass. Any suggestions on how to drill at the 65 degree angle? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
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Use a longer pilot drill for the hole saw.
Pat says: DO-IT-RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!
Bayliner 3870 "ALASKA33)
Twin 350 GM power
Located in Seward, AK
Retired marine surveyor -
I just finished fitting same to my 2452. I used a good quality hole saw. First thing is to stick some duct tape where the hole will be in case of slippage and to reduce damage around the hole. ***** the tape at the centre of the hole to locate the drill bit point properly. Start slowly and carefully to avoid the drill bit rinning off. Drill at the prescribed angle but be very careful at the start of the saw cutting as it will want to go off somewhere else if you not cutting at 90 degrees. It can be done but you need to be aware that not all the blade is cutting so there is some lateral force. When the hole sawing starts take it nice and easy. There is no need to use force. Let the saw do the work and you get a cleaner hole.
Make sure the cut edge of the fibreglass is protected with sealant or preferably gel coat.
Good luck.
Terry
PS perversely, I never use mine. I prefer the rod to be located well within the boat. I made a rod holder that clamps to the gunwhale and includes a tie down. The chrome rod holders look good though.
Terry (Retired Diving Instructor and Part Time IT Consultant)
1998 Bayliner 2452. 5.7l V8 - Edelbrock 1409 4bbl - Alpha1Gen2 - Solent UK.
MMSI 235061726Comment
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I wouldnt attempt the angle with the hole saw myself.Too much chance of snapping pilot drill and having hole saw go skittering off. Drill it straight down,then start expanding it longditudinally with a rasp file. Wont take long. If youre set on doing it with hole saw try this. Drill pilot hole with a drill same size as pilot in hole saw. Now put a (headless)bolt or spike in the pilot hole socket of hole saw. Use the bolt or spike as the pilot in the already drilled hole, less chance of them breaking as they are way softer than a drill.
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When I installed those same rod holders in my former 305, I used the hole-saw straight on, then reamed out the angles with a long blade on my Sawzall. Came out perfect. Just don't be in a hurry. The hole-saw removes the bulk of the material, then finnesse the rest. I used 4200 to seal, along with the SS screws.
Jeff & Tara (And Hobie too)Lake Havasu City, AZ
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DIY Boater had a video on installing a rod holder. You might be able to look it up.
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You could prepare a guide piece with a drill press.Use a piece of 2x4 lumber and drill at required angle on a drill press then take block to your boat and either clamp in place or if you have a couple of friends to sit on the block while you drill thru it and into boat.Make sure your block is nice and long maybe 5 to 6 ft and if need be you can cut shorter if too long.Hope this helps.
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Checking back to see how you made out with installing your pole holders. I have the same boat and looking to install 6 of them. Can you also provide some pics? Thanks!
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