Replacement splash guard

After a long period of distraction, I'm getting close to finishing my project boat. The original splash guard was almost split in two so I ordered a replacement. My problem is the screw holes don't line up with the threaded inserts on the hull. I expect to have to fill the existing holes and drill new ones. Any ideas on how to accurately lay out the new holes? Thanks.

I've had a similar situation, and just moved the splash guard back about ⅜-inch. ("By-eye").

More accurately, you can locate two deck inserts that do align with the splash guard. (Two that are evenly located from each tip).

Place a mark about ⅜" behind the inserts, drill them, and secure the splash guard—using those two holes. Use the remaining holes as a template to drill the remainder.

But I'd start with a drill bit that just fits the splash guard holes—and use it to indent through the gelcoat—to accurately show where the new holes are to get drilled.
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Thanks L&VW, I may have to go that route. Was hoping to use the threaded inserts but it may not be practical. Did you bed the splash guard with sealant when attaching or caulk the leading edge afterwards?

Jon Young said:

Thanks L&VW, I may have to go that route. Was hoping to use the threaded inserts but it may not be practical. Did you bed the splash guard with sealant when attaching or caulk the leading edge afterwards?

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If some of the threaded inserts line-up, you could still use those holes. Depending on how far-off the remaining holes are, a different style of fastener would be needed. A hardware store "search" for matching appearances of the new attachment-heads could make the trip worthwhile.

In my case, I didn't bother with sealant. Most of the energy used to fix the ripped-off splash guard was in removing the previous repair's sealant. Besides, mine was the third repair to this splash guard!

This Sunfish was for the neighbor's boys' use, so I could find myself reattaching it again. Caulking or sealing would have a minimal effect on the volume of water entering the cockpit. (As I found with one other "compromised" splash guard).

After Hurricane Irma, my neighbor has donated that same Sunfish to my fleet. Sadly, his boys are grown, and aren't interested in the lake place any longer. Storm damage "hulled" two new holes—to discourage sailing, anyway.

Hardware got missing, but the splash guard is still in place!

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If anything...just put a dab of caulk at each screw....but as mentioned minimal water will get in if any without caulking