Help With Cover/Bimini Snaps

[thinkxingu]

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]

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]

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-marine--95-piece-premium-snap-kit-with-locking-pliers--15536691

Or this one:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/handiman--heavy-duty-snap-kit-with-vice-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/gromsnap.html#Press-N-Snap%20Tool

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

[camp guy]

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]

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

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[Rich]

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.