On Sat, 11 Jun 2005 04:47:11 GMT, Lew Hodgett
wrote:

Chris wrote:
I saw at the Miami boat show a salesman demonstrating an adaptor that
when attached to the drill you could adjust the angle of the drive more
than just a 90 degree fitting. (Should have bought it) I need to drill
into the coaming through heavy glass and tap into a metal backing plate
and the bottom holes clearance is less that 11/2" above the deck. Any
suggestions out there??

Don't even think about tapping that backing plate.

Thru drill it if you ever expect to get it apart again.

Agreed. Backing plates need through drilling, not tapping. Bed on both
sides, epoxy fill the deck core, coat the bolt thread near the head
with bedding, and dog down lightly. After 24 hours (or whatever set up
time is recommended), dog down again to final tightness and trim
excess bedding with something very sharp.

Tapping is great for masts, not for backing plates, which are done to
make it better than factory and nearly bulletproof.

R.