Making an access hole for bow electronics

BCB - I ordered a single balzout mount from the parts store and would like to through bolt it. To do so I will have to drill an access hole under the Fortrex foot pedal. BCB owner Steve Schmidt sent me pics of his 09 Puma and I plan on doing the same using a 6 inch Sea Flo hatch - https://www.amazon.com/SEA-FLO-Circular-Inspection-Detachable/dp/B07PFL72GS?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1 I have a 2010 Puma. Is there anything I need to be concerned with or aware of before I install the hatch Any insight into the proper install if the balzout mount is appreciated too. Thank you.

This topic has 9 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 2 months ago by rlb8s.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

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February 17, 2021 at 7:38 pm #696587

rlb8s
Participant

Any insight?

Also, would a 4 inch model be sufficient or is the 6 inch needed?

February 17, 2021 at 11:01 pm #696590

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

You should be able to drill through that area under the recessed pedal with some caution. There is nothing there short of some wiring and the drain guidance into the V from the recess drains. Tuck your wiring out of the way before you drill.

February 18, 2021 at 7:46 pm #696597

rlb8s
Participant

Thanks. I’ll go w/ the 6 inch to give more working room.

February 23, 2021 at 12:54 pm #696681

Ozarkhunter
Participant

What type of saw/bit should be used to make this hole? I am considering doing the same thing with my 09 Puma.

February 24, 2021 at 9:02 pm #696708

rlb8s
Participant

I just purchased a 6.5 inch hole saw from amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KF4P33Q?pf_rd_r=4YXG1Q3XZHJQYBB3VYVM&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8&pd_rd_r=dca086b2-83ca-4934-adbb-d3741a7b4368&pd_rd_w=7ttZ3&pd_rd_wg=wZjce&ref_=pd_gw_unk&th=1

It should be here on Friday.

March 2, 2021 at 3:30 pm #696829

Ozarkhunter
Participant

How did the access hole install go? Any pics?

Thanks,

March 7, 2021 at 6:31 am #696931

rlb8s
Participant

Update – The original one I posted above was simply to big. I ended up using this one that fits a 4.5 inch hole which I made w/ a hole saw – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QJMZFE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I fit perfectly between the feet of the trolling motor and I was able to access the area needed to secure the balzout mount. It turned out great and I am very happy with it.

March 10, 2021 at 3:29 pm #697037

ChrisC
Participant

Did you happen to take any photos?

March 15, 2021 at 6:17 pm #697187

rlb8s
Participant

Chris – I didn’t take any pics during the install but I centered the hole where none of the trolling motor pedal feet would be touching it. It really worked out well.
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