Phender Pro installation

[tcaviness]

I was up at the dealership a couple weeks ago and saw the Phender Pro system on one of the new G23's. Much to my surprise, when I asked about having it installed on my boat the service manager suggested I just do it myself! The parts should be arriving in the next couple of days and the installation looks pretty straight forward. My biggest concern is drilling through the gel coat without cracking the area surrounding the hole. Any suggestions on how to best prevent get coat cracking/fracture? Planning on placing three per side and in the center of the gunnel. If anyone has done this install, any pitfalls to avoid would be helpful as well. Thanks

[NautiqueJeff]

I have been drilling a ton of holes in my project '98 Ski Nautique for parts like the bimini top, underwater lights, cleats, etc.

What I have done is the following:

Put masking tape over the entire area.

Mark the holes carefully.

Start the drill in REVERSE and cut through the gelcoat until you hit fiberglass. This prevents the gelcoat from cracking during the drilling process.

Drill the hole the rest of the way in forward.

Move up about three sizes in drill bits, and place the bit on top of the hole, and run the drill in reverse again just long enough to cut a smooth circle in the gelcoat. This creates a larger smoothly-ground area of gelcoat that will resist chipping and cracking.

This has worked well for me on all of the boats I have drilled into.

[vortech347]

That's exactly what I did when drilling tower holes for my 98 Sport. It keeps the gel from cracking and puts a nice chamfer on the holes.

[tcaviness]

Outstanding! That was exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you for the help.

[beach]

Were you able to buy the Phender Pro pins with the Nautique logo on them? It seems like a good idea, I was thinking of adding them to my 210. You might want to get some 3M 4200 sealant to keep water from leaking in around the pin.

[raygunclan]

Anyone have these Phender pros on their boat? I've wanted to add as I see a huge need for them.

[NautiqueJeff]

I have them, and they work great!

[tcaviness]

No, I didn't get the nautique logo. Didn't see it as an option.
The service manager mentioned the silicone as well.
Looking forward to getting them installed.

[Evening Shade]

Can someone take a pic of the Phender Pro system on their boat? I have never seen it, but it sounds cool.

[NautiqueJeff]

Here you go...

[chefred112]

Can you tell me what type of drill bit you used? for wood or metal or does it matter?

[imhoff]

It would also be great if someone could provide exact measurements and/or detailed pics of where these are placed on the 2016s!

Thanks!

[jesutton3]

Any twist bit as long as its not a brad tip will work fine.

Or depending on what size is required a bi-metal hole saw. Same as above, reverse through gel, then forward to finish. But you have to chamfer the edge with a dremel or sand paper.

[kneebrdr]

I used hole saw for my installations, masking taped the areas and the drilled the hole in one pass with no gel oat cracking.


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[imhoff]

What size Phender Pro's did you use, or what size is on the 2016's? I'm assuming 1/2"?

Thanks!