What are some alternatives to drilling holes in fiberglass?

[Ozzyj93]

Hey everyone. What are some good alternatives to drilling holes/using screws in the fiberglass? I’d like to hang some things on my boat such as my fire extinguisher and my battery charger, but I really don’t want to drill the fiberglass, or use screws. Anything else I can use? Thank you!

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Hey everyone. What are some good alternatives to drilling holes/using screws in the fiberglass? I’d like to hang some things on my boat such as my fire extinguisher and my battery charger, but I really don’t want to drill the fiberglass, or use screws. Anything else I can use? Thank you!

Those all should be done on the wooden trim pieces, so screws are fine. 5200 works well too

 

[Judge]

For stuff that heavy things like Command Strips aren't going to work with all the bouncing around and moisture. I have used VHB tape to secure a solar panel on my hard top and cable clips for wiring but I don't think that would work for a charger and fire extinguisher because of the weight.... unless you mount them so the floor supports the weight.

You could use 4200 or 5200 if you want to make a permanent mount that you want to use to mount and remove items if it becomes necessary.

But I would use 316 stainless sheet metal screws or screws w/ nylok nuts. Watch video online on how to properly drill through gelcoat and fiberglass and countersink to prevent cracking.

I drilled 24 holes in a brand new boat that had't seen the water to install Lectrotabs. I drilled holes to mount a Noco charger and a second fire extinguisher. I also drilled holes for additional fender mounts. Once you drill the first one.... the rest become easy! ?

 

[zipper]

As far as mounting a fire extinguisher...try one of these roll bar mounts. Amazon.com
Or
quick release
or
suction cup

As far as a battery charger goes, it’s heavy, screw it to an internal bulkhead.

 

[Beachbummer]

Can you give a little more into WHY you don't want to drill?

Do you want to be able to return to prior condition? Or are you worried about the integrity of the fiberglass after drilling? Perhaps some ideas are better than others given your specific motivation.

In addition to the good ideas in the prior posts, you could use some very strong adhesives to attach a board (say plastic/composite/aluminum bracket) you are willing to drill into, leaving the gelcoat/fiberglass intact.