The over-sized-hole/fille-and-redrilled system serves a couple purposes: It seals the wood, it distributes the presure from the footbraces, and it keeps the thru-bolt from crushing the skin when you tighten down on it. If you are going to drill through the hull to mount the footbraces, you should do this.

My reason for mounting this way is for ease of service. It is very easy to remove the footbraces if you need to. Other systems are better looking.

> The though of drilling through the hull does not appeal to me at all!!! I
> envision leaks and stripped holes in the future. Are there any tips that
> people can give me to ensure a water tight seal and maximum strength. I
> saw somthing in Nick's book about drilling the hole oversize, filling it
> in with epoxy and redrilling to the correct size. Is this important.