Starting screws from under coaming

Here's a better way to get screws going from under the cockpit coaming to secure the Rapid Pulse back band that comes with kits. The manual (of the Wood Ducks) says to "drill holes on the underside of the coaming for the cable clamp screws. An awl might be sufficient to start the holes." Added to the difficulty of working from under the coaming is the fact that the holes need to be six inches apart, three inches on either side of the center line. Nope. It's much easier to drill those holes from above, before gluing the coaming ring on top of the coaming spacers. Not only can you get them precisely where you want them much more easily than from below, but you have an easy opportunity to drill-fill-drill. Drill the hoiles oversize, from above, then seal the underside with packaging sealing tape, then fill the oversize hole -- from above -- and drill the pilot hole through the hardened epoxy plug. Then, glue the coaming ring into place. When you are ready to screw in the cable clamps from underneath, the non-wooden pilot holes will be ready and waiting for you, already in their perfect places. You're welcome!


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RE: Starting screws from under coaming

Great tip.  I wish that you had posted it before Wednesday, ha ha! 

   

RE: Starting screws from under coaming

OK, so now you've got the coaming installed, and your pilot holes are ready and waiting for you to screw in the seat straps. You know those holes are there, but you can't find them, no matter how much you feel around under the cockpiy with your fingers. What to do: use the selfie camera on your smart phone. Just lay it down on the bottom of the cockpit, pointed up, and voila! a perfect picture, in real time, as you line up the screw with the pilot hole.   

RE: Starting screws from under coaming

   Or use a mirror.

RE: Starting screws from under coaming

   

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