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I am a new owner of a 2021 Montauk 170. I will be installing a second battery adjacent to the existing battery inside the console. I will be placing a piece of 1/4 “ thick marine board that fits in a slot under the battery tray. I plan to screw through the footman loops (about 1/8 “ thick) through the marine board into the console floor. I called Boston Whaler tech support and they said there is approx 1/8 “ fiberglass over 1/2 “ plywood at this location. I plan to use 1” long-#10 screws to fasten the footman loops for the battery tray strap. What size pilot hole should be drilled for a #10 screw? Some say 1/8” and others say 9/64”. What is it?
Thanks for your help.
I always drill a test hole in a piece of scrap material and then drive the screw to ensure the pilot hole is the correct size. Not too small or big.
Remember to add a dab of marine sealant, e.g.Boat Life's LifeSeal, not adhesive to the threads of the screw to seal the hole. This should be done for every screw installed going forward.
Doubtful the 64th of an inch will make a difference...that said, I'd drill 1/8" and hit it with a quick countersink (or 1/4" bit spinning in reverse) to prevent cracking of the gel coat. This'll probably give you 9/64". Definitely use sealant like Phil said.
