I used bronze screening and 3" copper strap where ever I could fit it into lockers against the hull below the waterline. I also bonded my counterpoise to my two keel mounted monel water tanks. I probably have +50sq. ft. of screening plus the tanks. I generally get decent signal reports with no noticeable difference whether it bonded to a thru-hull or not. Friends who have followed Gordon West's current recommendations seem to have decent signals as well. As Charlie suggests, it can't hurt to experiment and add more counterpoise as needed. The Icom publication is well worth a few minutes of your time whatever you decide to do.