One tip on drilling through gel coat. Run the drill in reverse until you get through the gel coat, then put it into forward the rest of the way.

There is much less chance of cracking the gel coat that way.

Try it - you'll be amazed at how well it works.

Also, "chamfer" the holes with a countersink before running the screws into it, so when you tighten them down, they don't crack the gelcoat.

Another method to help stop cracking the gel coat is to use a pointed ginding stone to " prep " the hole. with the right one you can also camfer for the screwhead also at the same time.
This along Al's advice about running the drill in reverse will go a long to making sure of a nice install.

This is a stone that is for a dremel - but any one from Home Depot will work find.

+1

Concur I’ve drilled approximately 30 holes using this method. The same method works with hole saws too. After the first few it won’t bother you at all.

Thanks for all the tips on drilling. This was going to be my next question but you all beat me to it. I always wanted a new set of bits and now is the perfect time to get them. What I have read so far entails drilling a 9/64" hole for the screws. I already thought of the beer before.

I laid out all the parts last night. I ordered the quick release brackets but only ordered two. I will need to get two more for the rear brace assembly. The quick release brackets are just to the right of the two blue boxes. The blue boxes contain the stainless steel strap eye hooks.

I went with the Sunbrella 3 bow 6' top and feel that will provide enough protection for my 18' boat. The bimini top boot was included as well. The color matches the convertible top and the covers.

In case any of you are interested, I have a Drill Doctor for sharpening drill bits. Fast and almost idiot proof. I went through all my drills in one afternoon, and now, touch up when needed.

http://www.drilldoctor.com/

Almost being the key term there. I've ruined more bits with mine than I care to count. I've watched the video multiple times, but they just do not line up right.

Got pics of the installed top? I am preparing to order one myself. I have a 19' boat. Do ya'll think a 4 bow would be too big?

I haven't installed the top yet, I am holding out for warmer weather so I don't freeze in the garage. It will be a couple of weeks yet before I start the project. I also need to order two more quick release as I need 4 and only ordered 2. I will be getting them at Easter. I either had a brain toot or I thought they came in pairs. I checked the catalog yesterday and they come as each so I must have tooted.

The project is still dormant. I am still trying ot convince my friend, to practice drilling holes in his boat using my new hammer drill, but he isn't going for it.

Some update photos from last night:

Uncovering the boat from its winter's nap. The wheel barrow needs to be put away but that is in the back corner and the Harley is in pieces because I need a new battery.



The top spread out ready to get started.



The bows put together. Each bow is labeled xxx12, xxx22, xxx32 and each support is labeled xxx11, xxx13, xxx21 and so forth. The idea is the first number is for bow one and it is fastened to part 2 and so forth. It makes putting together the pieces pretty easy.



Each piece has predrilled holes and hammer rivots are used to fasten them



The bimini assembly put together



I now have to lay out the holes and start drilling. I have the rear support bar in lieu of the straps. I also have the quick release which is pretty quick as soon as you find out how it works. I will have to get (2) more quick release so the whole bimini top can come off quickly.

And this is the reason why I am installing a bimini top on our boat entering our 6th season with it.

looks nice. a bimini was the first project on our boat last season for the same reason. still need plenty of sunscreen, though. for our flybridge i was able to get away with the widest 'standard' one offered. i'm thinking of putting a small bimini over the cockpit, but's it's wider. i really only want a small overhang from the sliding door toward the transom, maybe covering only 1/2 of the cockpit. think i may have to have something custom built for that, though.

Bruce;

I am wanting to put a bimini on the aft cabin (its almost 12ft wide as you know), and got some estimates that ran anywhere from $1,500 to $4K.

But since then now that I have my trusty Sailrite machine, I am wanting to make one. I also found that Sailrite will custom bend a 12ft bimini frame for me, but I got to pick it up.

Not a problem since they are less than 100 miles from home. I figure I'd just duct-tape the frame to the truck.