I want to install some fender quick-clips. They require a 1” hole. Hole saw? Unibit?? Other? Help!

is the question what is a hole saw? Its a saw type drill bit mostly used to cut holes in doors to install door knobs. They can be found at any hardware store and if this is the only time you will use it get a cheap one. Dont forget the drill, very important

Ok wise guy, you know what I’m asking. Looking for what implement to use, and tips or tricks as to not make a mess lol.

Use a hole saw but first tape over the entire area where the hole will be with masking tape. To prevent the drill bit from walking, drill a small pilot hole, just enough to break the surface of the gelcoat. Then drill slowly, letting the material the hole saw cuts escape from the drill bit.

To prevent water from getting in around your clip, put some silicone sealant around the clip before you insert it.

sorry I came off as an a$$ but I do agree with first class, his technique is how I would do it if I spent the time to think about it. Nice looking boat, I heard that up in your area is a bunch of cool canals to cruise through

Do you need to go in reverse first with to get through the gel first? I would use either an abrasive hole saw or one with small teeth. I could be wrong on that, but that's my thought.

Hole saw

I think a hole saw would be the way to go . . . anything drill-bit like would probably make the mess that you are trying to avoid. I'd hit the exposed edges of the fiberglass with a little bit of epoxy after you cut the holes just to seal things up.

Any way to know exactly what is behind where you are hole cutting?

We'll soon find out.

Just start with a fresh, normal holesaw, run it backwards until your pertneer thru the gelcoat, then run the wood cut forward. Tape optional.

Ted, I’ve already made sure I can see what’s behind the prospective areas and all is clear.

FR and GFC, thanks!

Be sure to post a photo of the hole so we can see how well you did.

Or not if you screwed it up a bit like I would do.

12ga from about 6" up?

Just kidding...Masking tape over the hole, run the hole saw backwards at least through the gelcoat.

No matter what I do, I seem to end up with some damage to the gelcoat and fiberglass. I like James' idea to use a fine tooth saw, but am not sure where to find one.

Well, I finally got around to doing this. It was a big nothing burger. Done in 20 minutes, with a hole saw from Ace Hardware:

One thing I did notice was while installing the hardware on the starboard side near the shift control, the wires for the kill switch were resting on fiberglass that was sawing through them. I’m not sure if the switch is a normally closed or normally open one, but bad things could have happened if one of the wires was cut through completely. Killing an engine at 50+ MPH likely would have ruined it. I’ll admit that I don’t use the landyard very often, but when you do, you would expect it to work properly. Make sure you check your wiring in his location! I’m a little disappointed in the way Cobalt “detailed” the wiring here. It should have been in a loom and clamped. The wiring on this boat is very good otherwise, so far.

Looks great - very nice upgrade. Would love to have these on my boat.

Very nice Bob.
The entire package looks like it just left the factory. Nice job on keeping it looking new.

Thanks guys!

Those are some nice rope ties, got my wheels turning, since I can laser engrave the faces

speaking of rope ties, Was just noticing, your Cobalt ain't hurtin' for places to tie rope to! -the cleats in the stripe, are they the 'old' fender tie offs? -just curious

Yes, the 3 cleats in the stripe were the old fender tie-offs. When we bought the boat (it was new), Cobalt had already installed the 2 large cleats on each side for tie-lines. The dealer installed at least one fender cleat on each side, or possibly all 3 on each side, I just can’t remember. Yeah, lots of bling now lol. I think the 6 fender cleats have steel backings molded into the fiberglass too.