Any advice on installing snaps on a new cover?

Searayguy185

Searayguy185

Member
Jul 17, 2017
87
Wisconsin
Boat Info
2004 Sea Ray 185 Sport 4.3 V6,

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport
Engines
Mercruiser 4.3 V6, Alpha 1 Generation 2
Just purchased a brand-new OEM bow and cock pit cover from Great Lakes. This is the company Sea Ray uses when the boat was new. So they sent me the cover without installing the snaps because each snap that’s existing on the boat is unique to each boat. Has anyone installed snaps similar to what I am trying to do? I have hunted on YouTube and not found really any good videos. My concern is not getting it square or tight enough
 
I am in the middle of this right now. I will tell you that I bent the stud on a lot of the snaps and had to order more. Get the stud through the hole completely or the back with not catch and it will just bend it. Really, really frustrating.

Good luck.
 
Cdillerud said:
I am in the middle of this right now. I will tell you that I bent the stud on a lot of the snaps and had to order more. Get the stud through the hole completely or the back with not catch and it will just bend it. Really, really frustrating.

Good luck.
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Yes, agreed. Good point.
 
Canvas guys install temporary snaps on the existing male snaps that have a sharp pin that sticks straight up. When you temporarily install the new canvas the pins go through the new canvas. You adjust as necessary and once the canvas fits properly, you install the female snaps where the pins are coming through. Most guys I have watched mark each snap location with a small piece of Ivory Soap and do all of the snap installations at one time.
 
mrsrobinson said:
I have installed many snaps, mostly repairs. You'll want to get this tool https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008D4F4Y2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Don't cut corners on a cheapo one like I did, get this one.
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What he said.

Place the fabric over an existing snap base, and mark with chalk or some such. Use the tool to install the new snap, and then snap down the fabric.

Get it flat, and don't overstretch or understretch (easy for me to say).

Do one at a time so you can control the fit at each step along the way.

-Chris
 
Another vote for the Hoover tool. Not only will you use it now, but it comes in handy in the future when you have to replace the random snap.
 
Phil S said:
Another vote for the Hoover tool. Not only will you use it now, but it comes in handy in the future when you have to replace the random snap.
Click to expand...
Bingo, and will save you a lot of canvas guy $$$. Hide it too, don't let your dockmates see it, borrow it, look at it...I am just kidding, kind of.
 
Last edited:
Halfhitch said:
Also be sure, sure, sure that you are getting good quality 316 stainless snaps. No China snaps.

If the salesman says he's not sure where they are made, that's code for China.
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High quality stainless snaps almost never fail. I was forever replacing snaps on my Sea Ray factory canvas. Never needed to replace a single snap on the canvas that came with the Tiara because the factory used the high quality stainless installed through heavy nylon backing. The backing is as important as the snaps used.
 
lawndoctor said:
This is what you want to use to fit the snaps onto the cover.

https://www.sailrite.com/Quick-Fit-Pin-Socket-Snap-Positioning-System
Click to expand...

For anyone interested we loan, rent and sell these. Thanks @Phil S for the plug!

Loaners are for anyone who purchased canvas from us and will be installing it themselves.
Rentals are inexpensive but based on the time you expect to need it.
Purchases are for brand new and come complete with all dies.

We also are starting to stock parts - especially the rubber retainers.
If you already own the tool and use it a lot you should consider the upgrade to the "fast load" retainer.

For more details on loaners/rentals PM me and if you have not ever contacted us before you can fill out our online request: https://www.covemarine.com

As we are direct distributors for Hoover Products we are hoping to launch a new site soon dedicated to this product and the accessories.

-Kevin
 
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