Drilling a scary hole

[Bigplumbs]

After being quoted a ridiculous price to fix the head lining in my Fletcher 19 GTS I have come up with a cunning scheme that will work nicely and only cost about £25. I have bought some nice I/3 round hardwood moulding about 20 mm dia and am going to fix this from inside into the top deck with very small screws. I have test fitted it and it will only need 2 strips each side. I was wondering if anyone would know or indeed have a good guess at how thick the fiberglass on the top of the cuddy would be. If I drill all the way through by mistake it will not be the end of the world as I can just fill it with gell coat filler. I would prefer not to though.

I think it is probably 6 - 8 mm thick. This is a guess anyone have a better idea

Thanks

Dennis

[shibbs]

I would say your guess is about right, obviously will vary between boats though. When i was fiddling with the interior of mine i removed some screws from the headlining and other items that screwed into it and was surprised at how thick it was, i remember at the time being surprised by it.
I'm sure if done carefully you should have no problems..
I would say it would be well worth adding some tape around the drill bit though to ensure each hole is the same depth etc.

[Ianfs]

Hi Dennis

What is the matter with the headlining to make you want to fix it with mouldings?

I suppose its a stupid suggestion to suggest that you take it all down and start again? So I'm guessing its come away from the fibre glass and requires re fixing?

I would also have a guess that the glass will be thicker on the angle/corner than it will on the flat. You estimate of about 6mm would for me seem about right but maybe a bit thicker where it bends round.

If you went through to the outside, the problem you'd face would be matching the colour of the gel coat, that's all. A bit of a pain though.