I ordered the canvas hatch and companionway cover. My wife said it arrived but has no instructions. Any advice? I remember somebody here said "Don't forget the 3M". Would that be 4200 or 5200? I think one or both of these comes in "quick set" or something. Does it matter? I have to cut a notch out of it to go around the compass and maybe the BiData (speed and depth) too, although the latter is maybe flat enough to just go over one side without too big a gap for leaking.
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Dick
Which boat?
You didn't say in your post. Don't cut until you lay it up on your boat. The cover on my H26 doesn't cover any instruments. Did it come with the snaps already on it?
You didn't say in your post. Don't cut until you lay it up on your boat. The cover on my H26 doesn't cover any instruments. Did it come with the snaps already on it?
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Rick Webb
Check the Archives
The big hint from Crazy Dave was to run the drill bit backwards on the spot you are going to drill before you drill the hole. That keeps the gelcoat from cracking.
The big hint from Crazy Dave was to run the drill bit backwards on the spot you are going to drill before you drill the hole. That keeps the gelcoat from cracking.
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Rick Macdonald
More info
I have a 1995 H23.5. I ordered it with snaps but later when I realized that the compass was in the way I phoned them to see what could be done. Apparently the cover was already made and it was too late to do much other than to include some extra snaps and a snaptool. However, in the end it arrived with the snaps not put on. I laid it on the boat yesterday and I think it might be OK and not leak much if I just let it ride over the compass anyway. The weather was bad so I didn't fiddle with it long enough to decide for sure.
I have a 1995 H23.5. I ordered it with snaps but later when I realized that the compass was in the way I phoned them to see what could be done. Apparently the cover was already made and it was too late to do much other than to include some extra snaps and a snaptool. However, in the end it arrived with the snaps not put on. I laid it on the boat yesterday and I think it might be OK and not leak much if I just let it ride over the compass anyway. The weather was bad so I didn't fiddle with it long enough to decide for sure.
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Rick Macdonald
Can't find instructions in the archives
An hour of searching failed to find any installation details or help. Was I supposed to get some printed instructions? I ordered the one from HunterOwners.com Chandlery as shown in the link below. I've never drilled holes in a boat before and I'd hate to go it alone, even if the holes are on the top!
An hour of searching failed to find any installation details or help. Was I supposed to get some printed instructions? I ordered the one from HunterOwners.com Chandlery as shown in the link below. I've never drilled holes in a boat before and I'd hate to go it alone, even if the holes are on the top!
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Gerard
what I did
You're right. The canvas I've ordered (cover and pop-top) from here doesn't come with instructions. The prices are good, but it is frustrating to not get at least basic instructions. I think they're drop shipped from Ameriseam but maybe Phil could encourage them to include basic instructions. they'd only have to write it once and then make copies. I laid the cover over the hatch the way I thought it looked like it should be from the picture. Then I started with the snaps closest to the mast. Crazy dave's suggestion to run the drill in reverse definitely saves the gel coat from cracking. Also tape your drill bit at the proper length so you don't drill to deep. Then, after the hole is drilled, coat the screw with 5200 and bed it. I did the length farthest forward, then the base of the companionway, then worked my way around. Luckily it came out ok. Don't hurry! It's tedious, but making a mistake will leave you with another hole in your boat. It's the most functional accessory my boat has.
You're right. The canvas I've ordered (cover and pop-top) from here doesn't come with instructions. The prices are good, but it is frustrating to not get at least basic instructions. I think they're drop shipped from Ameriseam but maybe Phil could encourage them to include basic instructions. they'd only have to write it once and then make copies. I laid the cover over the hatch the way I thought it looked like it should be from the picture. Then I started with the snaps closest to the mast. Crazy dave's suggestion to run the drill in reverse definitely saves the gel coat from cracking. Also tape your drill bit at the proper length so you don't drill to deep. Then, after the hole is drilled, coat the screw with 5200 and bed it. I did the length farthest forward, then the base of the companionway, then worked my way around. Luckily it came out ok. Don't hurry! It's tedious, but making a mistake will leave you with another hole in your boat. It's the most functional accessory my boat has.
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Rick Macdonald
What size for pilot hole?
How do I figure out the perfect size for the pilot holes? Too small could crack; too big could pull out. I'll try the reverse drill to start the hole as suggested. I did find some more discussion in the archives, and with your addition I see a plan coming together. When I laid it out I found the critical position is at the corners that they sewed in that go over the sharp corners where the top and bulkhead meet. From there, fortunately, the material aft goes down and covers the boards and perfectly reaches the bottom of the bottom board. Going forward, it could be about an inch longer towards the mast but it is OK and I can get the snaps to be past the flat anti-skid part on onto the sloped smooth surface. The black dots that they put on seem to be in good positions. For example, they miss the drain grooves at the forward corners. I found the post that said to tap the snaps on the material lightly to mark the position on the deck, then drill. Sounds good. I saw where others said not to pull it too tight to avoid stress on the snaps and material. Good advice? I'll use 5200 to coat the screws before inserting, or maybe better to put a larger bead on the pilot hole and let it squish out all around?
How do I figure out the perfect size for the pilot holes? Too small could crack; too big could pull out. I'll try the reverse drill to start the hole as suggested. I did find some more discussion in the archives, and with your addition I see a plan coming together. When I laid it out I found the critical position is at the corners that they sewed in that go over the sharp corners where the top and bulkhead meet. From there, fortunately, the material aft goes down and covers the boards and perfectly reaches the bottom of the bottom board. Going forward, it could be about an inch longer towards the mast but it is OK and I can get the snaps to be past the flat anti-skid part on onto the sloped smooth surface. The black dots that they put on seem to be in good positions. For example, they miss the drain grooves at the forward corners. I found the post that said to tap the snaps on the material lightly to mark the position on the deck, then drill. Sounds good. I saw where others said not to pull it too tight to avoid stress on the snaps and material. Good advice? I'll use 5200 to coat the screws before inserting, or maybe better to put a larger bead on the pilot hole and let it squish out all around?
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Gerard
a bit more info
I'm not sure of the right bit size for the hole. Start small and if you get too much resistance then redrill up a size. The idea to tap the snap lighly is good. I did that, but forgot to mention it before. Definitely don't pull it tight. I experienced a small bit of shrinkage either from rain, uv, or both. When I put the 5200 on the screw, I just dipped the screw right down in the tube and coated it. I wanted to make sure the 5200 got down into the hole, as well as around the screw cap. Also, once it's installed, you'll want to place an object between the canvas and the sliding hatch to keep rain from puddling. I use a fender. Is your boat still in the water? Good luck...
I'm not sure of the right bit size for the hole. Start small and if you get too much resistance then redrill up a size. The idea to tap the snap lighly is good. I did that, but forgot to mention it before. Definitely don't pull it tight. I experienced a small bit of shrinkage either from rain, uv, or both. When I put the 5200 on the screw, I just dipped the screw right down in the tube and coated it. I wanted to make sure the 5200 got down into the hole, as well as around the screw cap. Also, once it's installed, you'll want to place an object between the canvas and the sliding hatch to keep rain from puddling. I use a fender. Is your boat still in the water? Good luck...
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Rick Macdonald
snaps
Gerard - thanks for the details. I had seen the idea of tent-like straps up to the boom, but just placing a fender or something underneath seems good enough to me. I also saw the suggestion that the cover could perhaps peel off at highway speeds so take it off when trailing. I wouldn't have thought of that! I forgot to mention that they put 22 black dots on the canvas to indicate snap locations, but only sent me 20 screw/snap pieces. The boat is still in the water, but there is precious little sailing time left here.
Gerard - thanks for the details. I had seen the idea of tent-like straps up to the boom, but just placing a fender or something underneath seems good enough to me. I also saw the suggestion that the cover could perhaps peel off at highway speeds so take it off when trailing. I wouldn't have thought of that! I forgot to mention that they put 22 black dots on the canvas to indicate snap locations, but only sent me 20 screw/snap pieces. The boat is still in the water, but there is precious little sailing time left here.
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Gerard
still more...
Attaching mine up to the boom wouldn't work for me because I attach my boom to one of the stantions when at the dock or anchor to move it out of the way in the cockpit. I've trailered with mine on with no problem, but now I think I'll take the time to remove it. Better safe than sorry. Mine came with the snaps on the canvas, all I had to install were the snap/screws. Is yours different? On both my cover and pop-top I got a bunch of extras.
Attaching mine up to the boom wouldn't work for me because I attach my boom to one of the stantions when at the dock or anchor to move it out of the way in the cockpit. I've trailered with mine on with no problem, but now I think I'll take the time to remove it. Better safe than sorry. Mine came with the snaps on the canvas, all I had to install were the snap/screws. Is yours different? On both my cover and pop-top I got a bunch of extras.
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Rick Macdonald
See "More info"
In that post I explained why the snaps were not put on. I got lots of extra parts for the canvas-resident half of the snaps, but only 20 of the parts that screw on. Hopefully I'll find some more in town here.
In that post I explained why the snaps were not put on. I got lots of extra parts for the canvas-resident half of the snaps, but only 20 of the parts that screw on. Hopefully I'll find some more in town here.
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Dave
T
Tom
Pop Top + Cover
I purchased the pop top and compaionway cover from ameriseam at the same time (for a H260). The poptop came with the snaps already installed, and I simply had to install the mating snaps onto the boat. Instructions were provided. The cover is manufactured with snaps in different positions (?!?!), so Ameriseam suggested that I install the snaps onto the boat to match the poptop first, then install the snaps in the cover to match those. They gave me the option of marking the snap locations and shipping the cover back for them to install the snaps or send the snaps and a tool for me to use. I opted for the 2nd option to install myself. In retrospect, I wish I had marked and sent back because several of the snaps that I installed are coming undone. Ameriseam products are a great value and if you call them up, they are happy to provide instructions and let you know what options you have available. For instance, I was able to order a white bimini top, but a navy storage cover to match the rest of the Hunter canvas. Fair winds, Tom
I purchased the pop top and compaionway cover from ameriseam at the same time (for a H260). The poptop came with the snaps already installed, and I simply had to install the mating snaps onto the boat. Instructions were provided. The cover is manufactured with snaps in different positions (?!?!), so Ameriseam suggested that I install the snaps onto the boat to match the poptop first, then install the snaps in the cover to match those. They gave me the option of marking the snap locations and shipping the cover back for them to install the snaps or send the snaps and a tool for me to use. I opted for the 2nd option to install myself. In retrospect, I wish I had marked and sent back because several of the snaps that I installed are coming undone. Ameriseam products are a great value and if you call them up, they are happy to provide instructions and let you know what options you have available. For instance, I was able to order a white bimini top, but a navy storage cover to match the rest of the Hunter canvas. Fair winds, Tom
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