Thanks, all, for the great responses. All of your ideas made me think of what I "think" may be a quick and easy solution for getting the holes centered on each end, then I'll do the progressive holes working up to 1/2" and so forth.

Here's what I'm thinking for the centering.

I'll take a scrap piece of 2x4. Then, I'll gather up a scratch awl and a drill bit that corresponds to the diameter of the awl. I'll use the drill bit to bore a hole thru the 1-1/2 side of the 2x4. Then, on one side of the new hole, I'll use a 3/4" spade bit to drill a 1/2" deep hole using the smaller hole as the pilot for the tip of the spade bit.

To put it into action, all I need to do is take the 3/4" dowel and push it in the 3/4" wide and 1/2" deep hole... it should be just deep enough to keep it relatively motionless. Then, from the other side, I'll push the scratch awl thru. Since I've got some room before I get to the 3/4x1/2 hole on the other side, the awl should be guided in pretty straight and therefore, it "should" mark the center of the dowel once it passes thru and runs into the end of the dowel. Repeat for the other end, and then do the progressive bits working up to 1/2" to make the inner hole.

It seems like that method woudl be very quick to set up and execute, and reasonably accurate. I'm hoping, anyway...

I do like some of the other ideas, though, particularly the composite, PVC and copper ideas. I may have to expirement with those a bit on future boats.

Anyway, THANKS FOR THE GREAT ADVICE!!!

Rick