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DEPTH TH52
5.3 Installation in a Cored Fiberglass Hull
The core (wood or foam) must be cut and sealed carefully. The core must be protected
from water seepage, and the hull must be reinforced to prevent it from crushing under
the hull nut allowing the housing to become loose.
Warning: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
1. Drill a 3 mm or 1/8" pilot hole from inside the hull (see Figure 3). If there is a rib,
strut, or other hull irregularity near the selected mounting location, drill from the
outside. If the hole is drilled in the wrong location, drill a second hole in a better
location. Apply masking tape to the outside of the hull over the incorrect hole and
fill it with epoxy.
2. Using the appropriate size outside hull hole saw, cut a hole from outside the hull
through the outer skin only (see table on page 1).
3. Using the appropriate size inside hull hole saw, cut through the inner skin and
most of the core from inside the hull. The core material can be very soft. Apply only
light pressure to the hole saw after cutting through the inner skin to avoid
accidentally cutting the outer skin.
4. Remove the plug of core material, so the inside of the outer skin and the inner core
of the hull is fully exposed. Sand and clean the inner skin, core, and the outer skin
around the hole.
Caution: Always completely seal the hull to prevent water seepage into the core.
5. If you are skilled with fiberglass, saturate a layer of fiberglass cloth with a suitable
resin and lay it inside the hole to seal and strengthen the core. Add layers until the
hole is the correct diameter.
Alternatively, a hollow or solid cylinder of the correct diameter can be coated with
wax and taped in place. Fill the gap between the cylinder and hull with casting
epoxy. After the epoxy has set, remove the cylinder (see Figure 3).
6. Sand and clean the area around the hole, inside and outside, to ensure that the
sealant will adhere properly to the hull. If there is any petroleum residue inside the
hull, remove it with either mild household detergent or a weak solvent (alcohol)
before sanding.
7. Proceed with “Bedding” and “Installing”.
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