Installing Cockpit Coushion Snaps
- Thread starter Panamax
- Start date
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Can you supply more info on what kind of cushions what year 36.
I have cushions on my 2007 H-36 and have snaps holding them in place.
Nick
Can you supply more info on what kind of cushions what year 36.
I have cushions on my 2007 H-36 and have snaps holding them in place.
Nick
One caution, the metal snaps get pretty hot in the sun when the cushions are not there.
I have then on the front edge of the cushions. So when it is raining and we don't have the cushions out the snaps are rubbing on our legs. I'd recommend placing them toward the back of the seat bottom and bottom of the seat back where they will not be as much of a problem.
I have then on the front edge of the cushions. So when it is raining and we don't have the cushions out the snaps are rubbing on our legs. I'd recommend placing them toward the back of the seat bottom and bottom of the seat back where they will not be as much of a problem.
Snaps
My Hunter 36 2007 have had snaps since new from dealer and
they work great when you are heeling they keep the cushions in place.
really don't need too many and usually only snap the rear snaps
and some times just put my mesh cushions on with out even snapping
them in.
I like them when like I said when things get dicey and the snaps keep them
from sliding.
Nick
My Hunter 36 2007 have had snaps since new from dealer and
they work great when you are heeling they keep the cushions in place.
really don't need too many and usually only snap the rear snaps
and some times just put my mesh cushions on with out even snapping
them in.
I like them when like I said when things get dicey and the snaps keep them
from sliding.
Nick
I just installed my cushions with the supplied snaps. It was easy to install. I just drilled a pilot hole and screwed in the snap. The biggest issue is to align the snap button with the snap before you drill the pilot hole. My cushions have stayed in place in all conditions and the snaps are worth the time and effort to install them.
What size pilot did you drill? Did you have any problems with the gel coat cracking?
I used a pilot hole about 1/2 size of the snap screw diameter. I have had no problems with cracks. You may get a some small chips when you screw the snap in but nothing really serious. I also noticed you planned on using 3M caulk in another post. I think that is a good idea for sealing.
cushion snaps.
I have them on my Catalina 320. I don't use the cushions unless I have company so the snaps are visible most of the time. I found some small vinyl "snap covers" that both look better when used but also prevents hot snap burn on your ________ (fill in the blank).
I have them on my Catalina 320. I don't use the cushions unless I have company so the snaps are visible most of the time. I found some small vinyl "snap covers" that both look better when used but also prevents hot snap burn on your ________ (fill in the blank).
To prevent gel coat cracks I first drill the pilot hole, then use a larger drill bit the same size as the screw threads and carefully drill only into the gel coat. This prevents the threads from cracking the gel coat plus it provides a taper in which your sealant is compressed into when you tighten the screw. It's one of the two birds with one stone things ? Andre
So.....mission complete! Put in all the snaps and it looks great. A few helpful hints from my own lessons learned:
1. Keep two rags handy. One is dry and serves to clean excess caulk from the fingers. The second it damp to clean excess caulk from the fiberglass.
2. As suggested above, I drilled a pilot which was roughly 1/2 the width of the screw. I then used a larger bit (about the width of the screw) to drill a wider hull just through the gel coat. On the first couple of holes, I did not drill deep enough. The result was minor cracking of the surface. By drilling a bit deeper (one can see how deep the gel coat is by looking in the pilot hole) I was able to eliminate the cracking completely.
3. Before I seated the screws, I opened a small tube of 3M sealant and used one of the screws to crack the tube seal. I then simply dipped each screw down into the tube making sure to coat all the way to the screw head. In this way, when bedded, a bit of excess was pushed out of the sides. I used the damp cloth to remove excess.
4. Finally, be sure you know what's behind what you are drilling. I had a brief moment of terror when one of the pilot holes appeared to be pulling some kind of gray plastic. Luckily it was nothing. If nothing else, wrap a piece of electrical tape around your bit to indicate the depth of the screws. This will prevent drilling any deeper than is absolutely necessary.
5. Drilling holes for the stern seats was easier because of the plastic material but again, do not drill too deeply. One the bit got a bite into the material, it seemed to grow a mind of it's own. Again, tape as a depth guide will help here.
1. Keep two rags handy. One is dry and serves to clean excess caulk from the fingers. The second it damp to clean excess caulk from the fiberglass.
2. As suggested above, I drilled a pilot which was roughly 1/2 the width of the screw. I then used a larger bit (about the width of the screw) to drill a wider hull just through the gel coat. On the first couple of holes, I did not drill deep enough. The result was minor cracking of the surface. By drilling a bit deeper (one can see how deep the gel coat is by looking in the pilot hole) I was able to eliminate the cracking completely.
3. Before I seated the screws, I opened a small tube of 3M sealant and used one of the screws to crack the tube seal. I then simply dipped each screw down into the tube making sure to coat all the way to the screw head. In this way, when bedded, a bit of excess was pushed out of the sides. I used the damp cloth to remove excess.
4. Finally, be sure you know what's behind what you are drilling. I had a brief moment of terror when one of the pilot holes appeared to be pulling some kind of gray plastic. Luckily it was nothing. If nothing else, wrap a piece of electrical tape around your bit to indicate the depth of the screws. This will prevent drilling any deeper than is absolutely necessary.
5. Drilling holes for the stern seats was easier because of the plastic material but again, do not drill too deeply. One the bit got a bite into the material, it seemed to grow a mind of it's own. Again, tape as a depth guide will help here.
Attachments
That folding wheel makes them look even better!good suggestions particualarly from Sailavie 1 to prevent the gel coat from cracking and drilling holes smaller in the fiberglass which is the key. I used 5200 to insure a permanent seal for holding as well but be ready to clean up quickly.
As for the adhesive Velcro, years ago that was tried on some of the smaller boat cushions but alas after some time, guess what, that adhesive wore off. eventually that Velcro idea with adhesive backing went away.
As for the adhesive Velcro, years ago that was tried on some of the smaller boat cushions but alas after some time, guess what, that adhesive wore off. eventually that Velcro idea with adhesive backing went away.