Help With Cover/Bimini Snaps

thinkxingu · 07-12-2015, 07:36 AM

Hi!
A couple snaps on my pontoon cover and bimini need fixing, along with a couple bent studs in the boat rail (early docking experiences!). I'm sure my dealer would take care of them, but they're a bit of a haul and I'm fairly confident it's not rocket science; however, there does seem to be a lot of different kits and quality differences out there on the interweb, so I'd love some suggestions.

Thanks!

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8gv · 07-12-2015, 07:53 AM

If you're new to these repairs I suggest you visit Parafunalia over in Gilford.

They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable there and sell the items you need.

The place is a candy store for boaters!

Rich · 07-13-2015, 05:15 PM

I believe the snap kit that Parafunalia sells is very light duty. You will probably bend it the first (or second) time you try to use it.

I don't have one of these, but these look much stronger than the one that Parafunalia sells.

This one:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-m...iers--15536691

Or this one:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/handim...grip--13617469

Don't get me wrong, I love Parafunalia! But I know someone that returned a couple of their snap kits with the bent tool.

The really nice one is this one:
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/gromsn...-N-Snap%20Tool

But at $150 it's a bit pricey for just fixing a few snaps!

camp guy · 07-13-2015, 06:05 PM

I tried to fix snaps one time and found out that in addition to the snaps themselves being damaged, the canvas had lost its integrity to the point that I needed the services of a canvas guy to stregthen the area of the snaps. So, sometimes a simple appearing job could hold some surprises for you

!

Good luck.

thinkxingu · 07-13-2015, 06:10 PM

Canvas guy recommendations? Though it's less than a year old--should I be speaking with my dealer?

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Rich · 07-15-2015, 01:43 PM

If you like, stop by Silver Sands with your boat or your covers in hand, and see Woody at 'Marina Canvas'.

I find Woody very good and can often do a very small job while you wait, and he's not overly priced for small jobs IMHO.

When others have told me it will be a month or more wait for them to get to my work, Woody will often do it while I wait.

Just don't be in a rush when you stop by to visit him, he's a very friendly person so you will probably enjoy your visit with a nice chat with him.

If he can't do it while you wait, often if you drop it off, it will be done by the next day or two.

07-12-2015, 07:36 AM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,309 Thanks: 1,174 Thanked 2,092 Times in 1,295 Posts	Help With Cover/Bimini Snaps Hi! A couple snaps on my pontoon cover and bimini need fixing, along with a couple bent studs in the boat rail (early docking experiences!). I'm sure my dealer would take care of them, but they're a bit of a haul and I'm fairly confident it's not rocket science; however, there does seem to be a lot of different kits and quality differences out there on the interweb, so I'd love some suggestions. Thanks! Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

07-13-2015, 05:15 PM	#3
Rich Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Derry / Gilford Posts: 1,246 Thanks: 74 Thanked 345 Times in 235 Posts	I believe the snap kit that Parafunalia sells is very light duty. You will probably bend it the first (or second) time you try to use it. I don't have one of these, but these look much stronger than the one that Parafunalia sells. This one: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-m...iers--15536691 Or this one: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/handim...grip--13617469 Don't get me wrong, I love Parafunalia! But I know someone that returned a couple of their snap kits with the bent tool. The really nice one is this one: http://www.seattlefabrics.com/gromsn...-N-Snap%20Tool But at $150 it's a bit pricey for just fixing a few snaps! __________________ Don't listen to me, obviously I don't understand what I'm talking about! Let's help each other save time and money: WinniGas.com

07-13-2015, 06:05 PM	#4
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,193 Thanks: 302 Thanked 528 Times in 295 Posts	Help with Cover/Bimini snaps I tried to fix snaps one time and found out that in addition to the snaps themselves being damaged, the canvas had lost its integrity to the point that I needed the services of a canvas guy to stregthen the area of the snaps. So, sometimes a simple appearing job could hold some surprises for you ! Good luck.

07-15-2015, 01:43 PM	#6
Rich Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Derry / Gilford Posts: 1,246 Thanks: 74 Thanked 345 Times in 235 Posts	If you like, stop by Silver Sands with your boat or your covers in hand, and see Woody at 'Marina Canvas'. I find Woody very good and can often do a very small job while you wait, and he's not overly priced for small jobs IMHO. When others have told me it will be a month or more wait for them to get to my work, Woody will often do it while I wait. Just don't be in a rush when you stop by to visit him, he's a very friendly person so you will probably enjoy your visit with a nice chat with him. If he can't do it while you wait, often if you drop it off, it will be done by the next day or two. __________________ Don't listen to me, obviously I don't understand what I'm talking about! Let's help each other save time and money: WinniGas.com

07-12-2015, 07:53 AM	#2
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,111 Thanks: 64 Thanked 748 Times in 482 Posts	If you're new to these repairs I suggest you visit Parafunalia over in Gilford. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable there and sell the items you need. The place is a candy store for boaters!

07-13-2015, 06:10 PM	#5
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,309 Thanks: 1,174 Thanked 2,092 Times in 1,295 Posts	Canvas guy recommendations? Though it's less than a year old--should I be speaking with my dealer? Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk