Boat Cover Snaps

[edgutgesell]

I have a boat cover that came with the boat that is still in very good condition. The problem I have is that about a dozen male button snaps in the hull have broken off. Many of them have broken off without much screw left sticking out to grab and I need to remove them to install new ones in the same location. I was thinking that where the snap broke off nearly flush, that a pilot hole drilled right next to the broken threaded snap would place the new snap about 1/8" from the location of the old snap and that would be ok. Perhaps I could punch them through the hull but I don't want to damage the hull. Grinding them flush will damage the hull. If I get the broken snap screws out, should I epoxy them in? If so what epoxy? Any thoughts????

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Boat Cover Snaps

Buy a screw extractor and back them out. No drilling, therefore no hull repairs will then be needed. Sears sells extractor bits you put in a drill. They work well for something like this.<br /><br />As for epoxying the replacements in place, I wouldn't consider that option unless you know for a fact that they will never break off again! If you glue them in, your extractor won't work next time this happens...

 

[bdirect]

Re: Boat Cover Snaps

heating screws or fasteners with a soldering gun will loosen the epoxy and allow for easy removal.

 

[Admin5]

Re: Boat Cover Snaps

As a boat cover ages it will stretch but when they are new I have been told by several manufacturers that they need have a tolerance of 1/16" to fit correctly all around. If you move too many even with an older stretched cover, you are likely to not get them all to snap.<br /><br />If you do move the snaps and they don't line up anymore, don't worry. iboats sells an ingenious little device that helps fix this problem. Take a look at it here:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=40182

 

[gstanton]

Re: Boat Cover Snaps

I have used Gorilla Glue to stick the snap/screws back in. Lasted 1 1/2 years now. Advantage is that any "slop" can be cut of with a razor blade or something similar.<br />Epoxy didn't last the season.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Boat Cover Snaps

thats a "ingenious little devise" for sure admin5. thanks. i got me a couple that just won't quite stretch to make it. that'll fix that problem...cool...i like my top.

 

[edgutgesell]

Re: Boat Cover Snaps

Thanks for your replies!!! I think you have solved my problem! Admin5, I like the "Stretch a Snaps"! <br />I am going to order some.