I have gotten my thru hull water pickup. I am determining where I want to drill my hole. I know I need it as close to the end running surface as I can get it. It is a 2000 38' Lightning. I plan to be within 20" of the end of running surface just at the engine. How thick is the hull in that location. I know I will find out soon enough but am looking for a little heads up.

You Want it in front of the step, not behind it. No transducer works shooting through foaming water.

Edit
Duh
Don't post after IPA's

My bad

Water pick up NOT a depth finder puck.

Ok I get that but like Tinkerer said its a water pickup. They are small steps and the pick up will be 6' +/- behind the 2nd step toward the centerline of the hull. I do not think the water will be to turbulent back there to pickup water. I found the hull is 7/8 to 1" thick there. I will drill the hole in the next day or two. I will drill the 3 flange holes and post pics. I believe another Beak Driver was curious to know how it worked.

Post a pic / link of what you are trying to install

Here is the link: http://www.cpperformance.com/p-12542...ck-up-kit.aspx

Are you installing one common pick-up for both engines or one for each engine

One for each

Your boat, but I would go with the old reliable transom mount type. Helluva lot thicker and stronger there than the hull bottom.
Just my thought.

That also looks like it sticks way down.

Never mind. Looked again. It's adjustable.