so i need to cut some access panels into the deck for the new leaning post. i've never done this before so i have a few questions. how do i know there is not a stringer where i'm locating the panel? is it just a crapshoot or should i consult the builder for some sort of plan. and when cutting, is a jigsaw the best tool to use? i'm worried that even with a short blade i will cut something else underneath the deck - my boat is pretty small and i'm sure alot of space underneath is occupied.

Niko,

I am assuming you want to cut some 4.5" holes for access to bolt the leaning post. You can tap the deck and find where the stringers are located, hopefully they are not where you want to cut.

As far as a jig saw, like you said, you may not have much room under the deck. You can shorten the blade a bit. Drill a small pilot hole and check the distance.

You could make a round jig and use a rotozip too. Thing is if there isn't enough space for the jigsaw blade there would not be room for your hand to bolt things up either. You'll probably have room I hope.

If you use a jigsaw you may want a variable speed to slow it down a bit. The glass will to dull the blade quickly compared to wood. Use a bladeon the finer side as not to chip out too much gelcote.

Do you have some kind of backing plate or block to spread out the load underneath? There will be allot of torque on that post when I am leaning on it!!

I would recommend a 4.5" hole saw if you can find one. You definitely want to stread the load with a backing plate that extends on all sides of the back of the hole... use marine grade plywood or maple or teak. If necessary the backing plate can be 2 pieces. to fit thru the hole.

chris

Irwin makes a 4.5" hole saw that sells for $20

so i need to cut some access panels into the deck for the new leaning post. i've never done this before so i have a few questions. how do i know there is not a stringer where i'm locating the panel? is it just a crapshoot or should i consult the builder for some sort of plan. and when cutting, is a jigsaw the best tool to use? i'm worried that even with a short blade i will cut something else underneath the deck - my boat is pretty small and i'm sure alot of space underneath is occupied.

Buy a bigger boat!

i got screwed on the boat. i got 2 new bathrooms and a new kitchen instead. a few more years with my little boat. besides... i like hoing rides anyway :)

i got screwed on the boat. i got 2 new bathrooms and a new kitchen instead. a few more years with my little boat. besides... i like hoing rides anyway :)

Then again, if this snow keeps up.....................

i like the rotozip for cutting holes in my boat. the circle jig makes nice circles.

do you have any hatches at all that allow you to see where the stringers are? Where is your gas tank located? that is probably your biggest concern. Typically they are right in the center of the boat, but you never know. all wires, controls, etc, run in a chase tube that is usually a straight shot from your console to where they come out in the transom, so it is pretty easy to figure out where they are. So your main concerns are gas tank and stringers/bulkheads. You may be able to find the layout of the stringers & tank with a little googling.

Pilot hole.
Most cordless tools (dewalt,makita ect) sell a scope camera.

so i need to cut some access panels into the deck for the new leaning post. i've never done this before so i have a few questions. how do i know there is not a stringer where i'm locating the panel? is it just a crapshoot or should i consult the builder for some sort of plan. and when cutting, is a jigsaw the best tool to use? i'm worried that even with a short blade i will cut something else underneath the deck - my boat is pretty small and i'm sure alot of space underneath is occupied.

Niko,
I have a 5" and 6" hole saw with arbor if you need to borrow one...

Big hole saw if you need to abort you can put a deck plate to cover the hole.
My Grady had a wood rienforcement molded into the underside of the deck. Like they knew someone would put a chair or post there. Yours might also. If it's just a leaning post to hold 4 rods you could probly 5200 it down with corse thread screws. If it's a fighting post you probly need a plate.
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Big hole saw if you need to abort you can put a deck plate to cover the hole.
My Grady had a wood rienforcement molded into the underside of the deck. Like they knew someone would put a chair or post there. Yours might also. If it's just a leaning post to hold 4 rods you could probly 5200 it down with corse thread screws. If it's a fighting post you probly need a plate.
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Thats all I did, sturdy as anything..