I would like to add bungies as tie-downs on the wooden thwarts of my Wenonah Vagabond, but I’m scared to drill them myself; afraid of splitting the wood. Any suggestions?
Go for it!
I did the same thing to mine with no problems. I used 1/4 bungee cord and a brand new sharp drill bit. Just don’t force the bit and you should be fine!
Dun’t fret none
– Last Updated: Feb-05-08 8:05 AM EST –
Yer not goin' ta split de thwarts if yer drill less then a 1/2" hole (probably much less). Ah' have all me canoos wit holy thwarts fer decades. Just squirt in a little Watco ta seal de end grain of de hole.
FE
Have done two boats thwarts
Figure out how and where you want to rig
Clamp a 2x4 to the thwarts underside, this will prevent splintering on the exit of the bit.
Drill the hole slightly (1/16) bigger than the cord you want to use.
I drilled a pilot hole first. 1/8 then the finish size.
Use a countersink bit top and bottom after drilling thru to relieve the sharp corner.
As Elmo said get watco on the inside of the hole.
Hope this helps.
Iffin’ yer got a Fostner bit
Dat’ll also give yer a nice clean hole.
FE
Lacking a Forstner bit,
a cheaper style would be a brad-point bit. ANd Wes’ admonition about backing up the thwart is very important. Slowly is also a key.
Jim
I did it…
I drilled holes for bungie on my thwarts. I didn’t know the suggestions made by the other posters, I just “did” it, and it worked out. Let me know if you need bungie. I may have a supply of it stashed away.