Yes, I use reverse until I'm totally through the gel coat and then flip it to forward. A variable speed drill is helpful. Also, I looked at the location of the hole in my transom for my gas line and it is just to the right of the bottom right hand corner of the motor mount. The hole comes into the lazarette a couple of inches below the seat level. I have about the same size hole you're talking about. The hole isn't sealed but I have not experienced any water coming in through the transom. The pump bulb is outside the transom and I pull it up to the hole and secure the fuel line so that the pump bulb serves as a stopper. Joe SeaFrog ----- Original Message ----- From: GILASAILR@aol.com To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 12:35 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Hole in transom for outboard fuel line and batterycable Joe - Do you mean 'reverse' to 'start' cutting the hole? - :>) Robbin - After you have 'reverse - marked' the hole - switch to 'forward' and cut the hole - the mandrel centering bit should be used to locate/cut the hole from the other side of the transom - same rev/fwd procedure .... you may have an open area -void- between the deck and hull depending upon where you cut - check 4 times- drill twice (pilot and saw). - Lenox bi-metal saws are a good tool for the job - you will be surprised how hard fiberglas laminate is on cutting edges. You know all this stuff- my gosh. Remember - always wear these...........safety glasses - per Norm Abram. Good idea - good luck. go