Amanda Knapp
Snaps are a common feature on boats, used to fasten covers, enclosures, and cushions. They can be easily replaced if they become worn out or damaged. To replace the snaps on a fiberglass boat, you will need to purchase snap fasteners and installation tools. The process involves removing the old snaps and installing new ones, either by drilling into the fiberglass and attaching the snaps with screws or by using a pop rivet tool. It is recommended to use adhesive or epoxy to secure the snaps and prevent corrosion.
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What You'll Learn
Drilling and screwing the snap base into the fiberglass
Once you have marked the desired locations, you will need to drill pilot holes. Ensure that you use the right size drill bit for the screws you will be using. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the screw to ensure a tight fit. After drilling the pilot holes, you can then screw in the snap fasteners. It is recommended to use stainless steel screws to avoid corrosion.
If the snaps are being installed in an area where they will be subjected to significant stress or load, you may want to consider using an epoxy paste to fill the pilot holes before screwing in the snaps. This will provide additional strength and help secure the snaps in place. Allow the epoxy to cure completely before screwing in the snaps. You can also add a small amount of silicone sealant to the screw before inserting it into the pilot hole for extra security.
By following these steps, you can securely drill and screw the snap base into the fiberglass of your boat, ensuring a strong and durable connection for your boat cover or other accessories.
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Using epoxy to fill in stripped holes
When replacing the snaps on a fiberglass boat, you will likely need to fill in stripped holes and drill new ones. This is a common challenge faced by boat owners. Every hole in a fiberglass boat is an opportunity for water to invade the core material. Therefore, it is important to fill in the holes with epoxy before drilling new holes.
Epoxy is a strong material that can be used to fill in stripped holes in a fiberglass boat. However, it is brittle and can crack under stress. To increase the strength of the epoxy, it can be mixed with fiberglass threads or "micro balloons". Micro balloons are lightweight, micron-sized silicon dioxide spheres that are routinely used to thicken epoxy. They give the epoxy a softer consistency, making it easier to shape and sand. However, this mixture is not suitable for applications requiring high strength. For a stronger bond, small patches of fiberglass mat can be soaked in unthickened epoxy and used in conjunction with the thickened epoxy.
To fill stripped holes with epoxy, start by drying out the old holes with a heat gun or blow dryer. Then, use a syringe to inject the epoxy deep into the holes. Cover the holes with tape to prevent the epoxy from leaking out. Once the epoxy has cured, you can re-drill the holes and screw in the new snaps.
It is important to note that polyester resin will not adhere well to epoxy. Therefore, if your boat is made of polyester, you may need to consider alternative repair methods or consult a professional.
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Using pop rivets to install studs
Installing snaps on a fibreglass boat can be done in a few different ways. One way is to drill into the fibreglass and attach the base with a screw and some silicone sealant. Another method is to use pop rivets.
When using pop rivets to install studs on a fibreglass boat, it is important to create a watertight seal. This can be achieved by using a closed-end rivet with a rubber gasket and an adhesive-backed foam rubber gasket on the surface. The closed-end rivet seals the hole in the centre of the snap, while the foam rubber gasket seals the base. To install, place the rubber gasket over the pre-drilled hole and install the stud on top. Then, position the end of the rivet into the 1/8-inch hole and squeeze the levers of the rivet gun together until the mandrel breaks off. This will firmly attach the stud to the surface.
It is important to note that when using pop rivets with fibreglass, the body of the rivet usually swells up before the pin breaks off, which can cause the rivet to loosen and not stay fastened. To prevent this, one method is to install the rivets as usual but stop squeezing the rivet gun as soon as you feel resistance from the fibreglass backing. Then, remove the gun and clip off the post with diagonal cutters. Another method to prevent loosening is to use washers to back up the rivets. These washers have an ID that matches the OD of the rivet perfectly, ensuring a tight fit when the gun is squeezed.
There are a variety of snap fasteners available for installation, including Sailrite®, SnapRite®, DOT®, and Loxx® brands. The SnapRite® Surface Mount Stud Die is a tool that can be attached to a standard pop rivet tool to help set snap studs more easily and securely.
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Using a snap with a stainless machine screw
To replace the snaps on a fibreglass boat using a snap with a stainless machine screw, you will need to purchase snap/screw combos from a marine store or boating store. These typically come in one piece that screws in, but you may want to use some adhesive in the hole as well.
Before you begin, carefully mark where you want the holes to go, double-checking everything before you start installing the snaps. You can then drill the holes, watching your depth to ensure you don't drill too far. This gets out any debris or rot and gives you more surface area for the epoxy to hold.
Next, you will need to fill the holes with epoxy. Get some decent two-part marine epoxy and mix it up in a small cup. You can use a 1 ml syringe to inject the epoxy into the holes. Let the epoxy cure for 24-48 hours. Once cured, tap the epoxy-filled hole. Hold the drill bit up to a snap screw—the right size drill bit will just obscure the screw shaft and not the threads. This lets the hole sink the screw shaft without bulging the hole, cracking your epoxy, or weakening your bond.
Finally, coat the snap screw threads and the backside of the screw/snap "head" with a sealant. Sink it into the hole just shy of tight (maybe a 1/4 turn should do it). The snap will cover the hole.
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Buying snap/screw combos from a boating store
When replacing the snaps on a fibreglass boat, you can opt to purchase snap/screw combos from a boating store. These are available at most marine stores, such as West Marine and Boater's World. You can also find them at online stores like Amazon, which offers a 30-piece screw-in snap stud replacement kit with tools.
Before purchasing, it is important to determine the specific type of snap fasteners required for your boat. Surface studs are typically installed using standard Phillips head or machine screws. However, this method can sometimes splinter the surface of the fibreglass. To avoid this, a pop rivet tool can be used, although it may not provide a tight fit for the studs.
When installing the snap/screw combos, it is recommended to use an adhesive or sealant to secure the screws in place. You can use a silicone sealant or epoxy to fill the holes before screwing in the snaps. Additionally, ensure that you ream the hole out (countersink) to prevent cracking the gel coat when screwing in the snaps.
It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with the quality and durability of the snaps and screws in replacement kits. Some reviews mention that the snaps and screws are susceptible to bending and rusting, especially in marine environments. Therefore, it is essential to carefully select a reputable brand and read reviews before purchasing.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use epoxy to fill the hole and then screw in the snap. Drill out the old snap holes and make them 1.5-2x larger. Mix epoxy in a small cup, fill a syringe with the epoxy, and inject it into the hole. Try to get the hole filled level with the surrounding surface. You can also use hard plastic shoved into the hole, with enough space to start the screw tip.
You can drill a pilot hole and attach the base with a screw and some silicone sealant. You can also use a pop-rivet. Both methods will eventually loosen up over time.
You can buy snap fasteners at most marine stores, such as West Marine and Boater's World. You can also buy them online at sites like McMaster-Carr and iBoats.
You can remove the upper and lower halves of the fastener assembly and then install new components.
