Planning to cut a huge hole in my boat

[JOEALLY]

I thought about that & probably would've been easier!

[fishnfireman]

To late now..
I recently bought one of those dual blade saws with counter rotating 4.5 inch blades. Works great for those kind of cuts. And no kick back like a single blade.

[JOEALLY]

To late now..
I recently bought one of those dual blade saws with counter rotating 4.5 inch blades. Works great for those kind of cuts. And no kick back like a single blade.

I was shocked at how good the small oscillating saw cut once I started using it.

[fishnfireman]

Which one did you get ?

[JOEALLY]

I have the Ryobi 18V
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18...FQQKgQodqFYEQg

[tap_tap_boom]

For those that have made the cut, is there any flexing or creaking issues you're having after the install? I really really want to do this, BUT....

[JOEALLY]

For those that have made the cut, is there any flexing or creaking issues you're having after the install? I really really want to do this, BUT....

Absolutely ZERO flex on mine. I've walked all around the tray.

[Tim Powell]

Shouldnt be an issue!

[AllyFishing]

don't you guys with 21's have the metal cross member brace under the font deck which centers the pedestal hole where the "X" is?? Is it not under where you are cutting out for a troll well?

BTW, nice work there Joe and I don't think I'd have the 'nads to use a circular saw anywhere on my boat!!!

[JOEALLY]

My boat did not have a metal cross member brace under the front deck. There is a brace in the shape of a "cross" under the deck and the forward portion glassed into the existing factory tray. When I cut the hole, I cut it where it met the existing tray. My new tray fits tight against it.

[NOTGSXR]

Mine doesn't have that either. Mine has a plank of wood


IMG_20181111_48176.jpg
IMG_20181111_4575.jpg

[AllyFishing]

Sorry Joe...actually that's what I was referring to. I didn't know what else to call it.

So that material in the shape of a "cross" is not metal??

[Bradley21SS]

Mine doesn't have that either. Mine has a plank of wood

what year is your boat?

[JOEALLY]

Sorry Joe...actually that's what I was referring to. I didn't know what else to call it.

So that material in the shape of a "cross" is not metal??

At least the very end where it connects to the tray is not metal.

It looks like the glass/composite material the deck is made of.

[NOTGSXR]

what year is your boat?

2004

[AllyFishing]

Yeah I guess it could be what referred to as starboard or core material. I always thought it was aluminum.

My 2008 XB 21 2+2 had the pole in the box like NOTGSXR. It was an extension of the seat pole hole in the deck then secured in the floor which made that deck rock solid.

[catfish123]

Yeah I guess it could be what referred to as starboard or core material. I always thought it was aluminum.

My 2008 XB 21 2+2 had the pole in the box like NOTGSXR. It was an extension of the seat pole hole in the deck then secured in the floor which made that deck rock solid.

WOW your boat is getting old Craig.

[AllyFishing]

that was the first one...my 2 seater is a 2013 which is also getting old!!!

[JOEALLY]

Yeah I guess it could be what referred to as starboard or core material. I always thought it was aluminum.

My 2008 XB 21 2+2 had the pole in the box like NOTGSXR. It was an extension of the seat pole hole in the deck then secured in the floor which made that deck rock solid.

My plan was to fab a post like that if my deck flexed any after adding the tray but so far it has zero flex.

[Tim Powell]

that was the first one...my 2 seater is a 2013 which is also getting old!!!

Nothing like the smell of new fiberglass! I can help you with that Craig