New Cockpit cushions - Alternatives to drilling holes for snaps?

[Reverie2016]

We just got new cockpit cushions...they look great but we need a way to secure them as they slide when sailing.
They came with corner snaps and drill in studs. We do not want to drill holes. I've seen a post about the Sailrite SNAD adhesive snaps and studs.
Has anyone had luck with this approach? We are cruisers not racers so they should not take a big workout.
This was the product that was cited by another Hunter owner:
YKK® SNAD® Fastener Adhesive-Backed Domed Stud White 40mm

(On our old cushions, i hand-stitched rubberized shelf liner to the back and it worked out great but they were old and the covers were stretched out so not an issue. New covers are tight and would prefer to avoid the effort if possible)
Thanks!

 

[colemj]

We have SNAD's mounted overhead on our fiberglass hardtop that connect to and hold up the bimini windows when they are hinged open. Works fine and have had no problems. They will need a smooth surface to mount, and many cockpit seats have nonskid where connectors would go. So it depends on the specifics of where you want to install them.

Mark

 

[jssailem]

We do not want to drill holes.

I get that. Eventually we all get past this feeling.

The snad is an interesting fastener. I suspect it works as advertised, at least for a couple seasons. It is plastic. It will wear and degrade in UV exposure so perhaps a replacement would be handy to have aboard. If your crew sits prim and proper on the cushions all might work out.

My crew tends to stand on cushions. Kick them. Lie down on them and wiggle. I suspect they will need replacing in a couple of months.

 

[BrianQ]

If you don't want to use screw in studs the SNADs are a great option. I use the for my cockpit cushions for the same reason.
The SNADs will need to be installed on a clean flat surface for the best results. The 3M™ Tape Primer 94 Adhesive Promoter is highly recommended if you want the SNADs to adhere properly. Wait about 24hrs before putting any stress on the SNAD to allow the adhesive to set properly. If you have a textured surface, you can carefully sand the area flat before placing the SNAD by using a 1" sanding disc attachment for a Dremel tool. To help keep the sanding disc from wandering drill a 1" hole in a piece of 1/2" - 3/4" hardwood to use as a guide. This will help keep the sanding disc confined to the area the SNAD will go. Double sided tape will help hold the guide in place. Going slow with light pressure, letting the abrasive do the work is the key.
If the adhesive on the SNAD fails, you can replace it with 1" wide 3M VHB double sided tape. I have a 1" punch so punching out new tape for a SNAD that comes off is much cheaper than buying new SNADs.

I've been using the SNADs to secure my cushions for about four years. I have to refasten one or two a year and that includes the ones I have on the hatch covers. I used SNADs to secure the chaps for my dinghy and have yet to have one come loose.

The 1" sanding kit for a Dremel, or similar tool, the 1" VHB tape, and 1" hole punch, are available on AMAZON.

 

[Reverie2016]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I ordered the SNADs - they look like they'll work well. The perimeter edges of our cockpit are smooth so we should be good to go without sanding...I'll also get some of the VHB tape as a backup.

 

[JBP-PA]

I've had SNADS in my cockpit for over 3 years years now holding up my sheet bags and they are still fine.
There are two kinds, the hard plastic ones for flat surfaces and the soft silicone for curved (but still smooth) surfaces. I've only used the hard kind.