Snaps for a Canvas back cover

[DBenja4148]

I bought a Chaparral Cruiser brand new back in April and at that time I didn't buy the canvas back option which I now find that I need on those colder days in the Chesa. bay. Problem is Chaparral will send the canvas back w/o snaps since there not standard on all their boats and the dealer must install them upon delivery. That would be fine but I'm not going to take a day vacation and do the 70 mile round trip just to get them measured and pick up at a later date. Would it be difficult to put on the snaps myself? Shouldn't be hard to line up the male end (which are already fixed on the boat)but I'd like to save some time here. You shouldn't need a masters degree to install. Any suggestions. Thanks for your help.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Snaps for a Canvas back cover

Simple do it your self.Any marine store will carry the kit.Be sure to get it centered first and pull the canvas tight.Start in the middle and then work out to each side.Keep checking your work as you go.If you make 1 mistake and continue,they will all be off.Charlie

 

[airman]

Re: Snaps for a Canvas back cover

Any decent canvas shop can do it for you and will be able to do a better job of it. It shouldn't cost much. The problem with the kits is that the little hammer tool can't form the snaps properly and the snap doesn't hold as tight as it should. The right tool costs about $150 so it probably isn't worth buying for such a small job.

 

[BillP]

Re: Snaps for a Canvas back cover

It is a piece of cake, even with the little "fix it" kits from the boat store. Put the buttons (female)on the fabric first while on the work bench and space every 8"-10" or so. Then drape the cover around and stretch it out on the boat. Do the corners and end snaps (male) on the boat first so it holds the cover in place. Then mark the boat and install the rest of them to match up with the cover snaps. Stretch it as tight as you can get it and the fabric (or vinyl)will relax in time without wrinkling as bad.

 

[MajBach]

Re: Snaps for a Canvas back cover

I might be missing out on a detail here, but I tried doing the same thing with unsatisfactory results. Simply installing the female ends of the snaps in the correct location of the canvas is not enough. The tension on each of the snaps is transferred to the canvas causing it to rip. There has to be reenforcement around the snap to keep the tension localized and evenly distributed. On the canvas I have that was done at the factory, this includes a square piece of plactic where the snap is located with a stitch all around the borders of the plastic.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Snaps for a Canvas back cover

Most quality canvas have a border sewn in to the edge for the snap to use as backing.If you dont you can back it with plastic or make sure the snap is put together firmly and it will grab more of the canvas than just the tiny post in the middle of the snap.Either way if the canvas is Sunbrella ,it wont rip.I have seen plenty of back canvas with gromets and small elastic bungees and a plastic hook to keep constant tension.Charlie

 

[BillP]

Re: Snaps for a Canvas back cover

Maybe I missed something and yes snaps in one layer of Sunbrella don't last "long term". I was commenting only on snap installation. Two layers of fabric (Sunbrella or the marine vinyl) are normally plenty of reinforcement. One seam overlapped to provide this is standard and more layers for extended durability. Individual backup pieces are really a poor substitute but will work...they just don't spread the stress. If it is a cheap product the edges may just have a small binding which won't hack it, then additional backups need to be installed.

 

[DBenja4148]

Re: Snaps for a Canvas back cover

Gentlemen! Thanks for your responses. Chaparral uses Taylor Made Canvas products which I understand is a good product.I checked West marine and they sell a tool kit w/ snaps to use. I hope that this tool also can make a hole thru the canvas for the snaps unless somebody else has any ideas,

 

[BillP]

Re: Snaps for a Canvas back cover

I use one of the cheap handheld hole punches for making holes in fabric for snaps but any sharp point tool will do. The stud part of the snap will push through with little effort if you just give it a place to start. The hole punch works best when you are going though 4 or more layers. <br /><br />Do yourself a favor and try it on a sample piece of fabric to get the feel of setting with the hammer. Beware, the cheap plastic setting tools may shatter if you don't use a mallet. Low end commercial setters look the same but are steel.