Replacing transom

[etothepii]

So, I'm replacing the transom board on my 12 ft jon. The factory board (long gone when I got the boat) seems to have been an inch thick by 10 inches high by 32 - 40 inches wide.

I made a template out of cardboard. Cut two 19/32" pieces of plywood to shape and glued them together with Titebond III. not my prettiest work, but it will do. I know it is a little over an inch thick, but I think I can massage it in there. This was done during the summer. I put Thompson's Water Seal on it, only to learn that was not a smart move. Well, after 30 days, Thompsons can be painted, so I waited and coated it with oil-based paint.

Now, I need to install it to finally call my boat done. The issue is, I have to drill 10 holes, and I'm nervous. I really do not want to screw this up!!

I have stainless steel hardware. I'm going to drill the holes just a touch over sized so I can get the paint inside there -- maybe with a Q-tip?

But if I drill any of these holes crooked, I'll kick myself. Any suggestions on how to do this right? I have a basic drill. No drill press.

 

[.Mike]

Grab a 1x4 (or 1x3). Cut a couple of pieces off, just a few inches long. Make sure one of the pieces is from the end of the board, so it has a clean, square edge.

Set that square edge up against the other piece to make an L. Glue and screw the pieces together.

Now, place the L piece on your workpiece, and align your bit in the corner of the L to ensure it is being held vertically and square. Drill your hole.

Like this: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-drill-a-straight-hole/

 

[etothepii]

Grab a 1x4 (or 1x3). Cut a couple of pieces off, just a few inches long. Make sure one of the pieces is from the end of the board, so it has a clean, square edge.

Set that square edge up against the other piece to make an L. Glue and screw the pieces together.

Now, place the L piece on your workpiece, and align your bit in the corner of the L to ensure it is being held vertically and square. Drill your hole.

Like this: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-drill-a-straight-hole/

Nice. And so obvious. I feel kind of dumb.

 

[davedude]

Grab a 1x4 (or 1x3). Cut a couple of pieces off, just a few inches long. Make sure one of the pieces is from the end of the board, so it has a clean, square edge.

Set that square edge up against the other piece to make an L. Glue and screw the pieces together.

Now, place the L piece on your workpiece, and align your bit in the corner of the L to ensure it is being held vertically and square. Drill your hole.

Like this: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-drill-a-straight-hole/

Hey thanks for posting that tip---awesome!