Thread:

What do you use...

To cut the holes for a drop-thru turn-fin (double fin)? Plunge cut with a router? Drill pilot holes on either end and then use a skillsaw? Jigsaw?
I have a LOT of time invested into my floors and do not want to butcher them. Any info would be appreciated!

I don't know what to use, but your floors are simply BEAUTIFUL!!!

Originally Posted by PE 316

I don't know what to use, but your floors are simply BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thanks for the compliment. It was a ton of work and I don't wanna mess them up!!

Yep, floor is way to nice to cut holes in. I think that you should just turn it into a Jet and put carpet on the floors... I think that I would just turn it over and cut the slot from the bottom. That way you don't have to worry about screwing up your floors... You can us a skill say, jig saw or a router... I would use the jig saw myself but what do I know??? Nothing!

Steve

Drill the two front and back holes , tape it off , cut it with a cut off wheel on a grinder. I found it easier to control and easier to see what you're doing , which is a good thing sometimes. Again , kick ass floor.

Originally Posted by VDRIVERACING

Yes... LOTS of tape! But first you need to make damn sure you have your line right. You might consider setting your line from underneath the boat. Use a really long straight edge! Once you have the line, drill some smal dia pilot holes from that line up through the bottom. Then back inside the boat, draw out the hole with a marker and outline it with blue tape.

At this stage, you can drill the ends and go to work with the saw. Be cautious and cut out the minimum amount of material. You will need to trim a little when you try to fit the fin through. Once you have it hanging freely--and pretty close to straight--make sure there is room to wiggle it straight for gluing in, and recheck your line. You will need some wood shims underneath to hold the fin in place while the marine tex dries (and a dry run with the shims prior to gluing is highly encouraged). Once the marine tex is set, pull out the shims and fill the holes left behind. Now, you are ready to drill the holes for the top plate.

Great info. Thanks for the insight! I'll go stock up on tape, shims and Marine-Tex.

Originally Posted by Mizer

Drill the two front and back holes , tape it off , cut it with a cut off wheel on a grinder. I found it easier to control and easier to see what you're doing , which is a good thing sometimes. Again , kick ass floor.

Thanks, I agree with the grinder. I feel i have more control with a little die-grinder.


Stay tuned...Hopefully gonna cut this weekend!

Originally Posted by steveo143

I prefer Sea Goin' Poxy Putty over Marine Tex. Marine tex is too runny for me and the Sea Goin' is an easier cleanup.

Steveo,
Can I get that at West Marine?

I use the 2 hole method and a jigsaw also. Most marine places sell Sea Goin putty...

Boy! Words are hard to come by giving you a compliment on those floors! They are absolutly stunning... Awesome job !!!