Fixing male canvas snaps on boat

[Gromulin]

Hello,

The PO "fixed" some of the snaps on the boat with pop-rivets, instead of screws. I suspect the screw holes were enlarged and he thought it was a good idea. Now they are loose, the hole is even larger, and I suspect that the fiberglass behind is now cracked from the pressure of the pop-rivets expanding ( I have not drilled out any of the offenders yet). There are several other loose screws on other snaps.

What is the best method for fixing this? I can't go with a larger screw, so I need to repair and re-drill the holes I think. What to use as filler that will hold onto the fiberglass and hold a new screw? Epoxy? Bondo? I'm afraid that whatever I use will just pop out because it wont have much "grip" on the hull.

Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[drewpster]

Re: Fixing male canvas snaps on boat

If the snap is large enough to cover the worn hole you could use something to back the hole and screw to it. The home center sell 1/2 inch aluminum strip. You could cut that in to a short strip and use it behind the hole. Then screw the snap to it.

 

[Gromulin]

Re: Fixing male canvas snaps on boat

If the snap is large enough to cover the worn hole you could use something to back the hole and screw to it. The home center sell 1/2 inch aluminum strip. You could cut that in to a short strip and use it behind the hole. Then screw the snap to it.

Good idea, I had not thought about that. I'm pretty sure I can't get to the back side. I'll have to do some feeling around from the inside to see.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Fixing male canvas snaps on boat

Just pop rivet it again but use a flat washer on the inside.
Make sure the hole in the flat washer is just big enough for the rivet to fit thru.

It will never come loose again.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Fixing male canvas snaps on boat

Well if you can get to the other side..

They sell Machine screw snaps ( I would replace any and all snaps that you can reach the back side with these ).

If you cant reach the back for the through bolt snaps then consider that they also sell over sized snap screw sizes..

Now if you cant do the above..then your left with die grind/fill with glass filler/ pilot and screw ( by hand ) a new snap. Put some 5200 in the hole/threads.

YD.