New Side curtains- no snaps installed - how hard a job

[SmokyMtnGrady]

My new stratoglass curtains arrived from A and J Canvas and they sure are purty. However, when I sent them the originals they made when I bought the boat new I assumed the snaps would be installed as all the snaps lined up. I was wrong.

So my question is how hard of job is it to punch the holes and and put the snaps on the curtains? I am almost willing to drive the 7 - 8 hour haul to their shop and have them do it. I dont have the snap tool. I think Lowes sells something like it? In a way I am disappointed. I spent $1,900 for a complete set and now the detail part I am on my own. I do get it though, they did not have the boat and they dont want to screw it up either.

I know some of you have taken this task on and I would love any and all input on the best way to put the snaps on and make it look good at the same time. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[seasick]

My new stratoglass curtains arrived from A and J Canvas and they sure are purty. However, when I sent them the originals they made when I bought the boat new I assumed the snaps would be installed as all the snaps lined up. I was wrong.

So my question is how hard of job is it to punch the holes and and put the snaps on the curtains? I am almost willing to drive the 7 - 8 hour haul to their shop and have them do it. I dont have the snap tool. I think Lowes sells something like it? In a way I am disappointed. I spent $1,900 for a complete set and now the detail part I am on my own. I do get it though, they did not have the boat and they dont want to screw it up either.

I know some of you have taken this task on and I would love any and all input on the best way to put the snaps on and make it look good at the same time. Thanks for any and all help.

For the money you spent. I would pay to see if you can get a canvas person to come to your boat and install the snaps. Although you could buy the cheap punch and dies, using the better crimp tool is really the best approach.
In addition, a good canvas person will know how tight to pull the canvas and where to install the snaps.
If that is not possible you can use a friend to help pull and locate the canvas and then mark the snaps using chalk. Then you remove the curtains and punch and install the snaps using the punch and die

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Thanks Seasick,
A HUGE drawback living in the sticks is the nearest canvas guy is either in Greenville, SC or down near Atlanta - in short an hour and half or more away. I can sort of gauge the tightness but I am no expert. I can go get a snap tool from Joannes Fabric that is relatively easy to use. I just dont want to screw them up. I know there is a guy here who responded to my question about color who said they did their own snaps. I am hoping he will pop in...I guess I could back and find him and PM him? (lol)....

 

[Fishermanbb]

A&J did my complete enclosure this year. They told me I would do the snaps myself. They will send you a professional quality snap tool if you promise to send it right back. I bought my own but it is a piece of cake.

Go to Sailrite.com and pick up the little snap with the pin on the end to line up and make the hole. I did my entire set up - including the special lift-a-dot snaps in under an hur and it came out perfect. First time I have ever done it. Don't worry at all and if you want a few extra tips let me know.

 

[Fishtales]

X2 on the DIY.
If you don't want to spend a lot, West Marine has a snap kit as well. Very easy to do.
I would hang them on a warm-to-hot day, let them acclimate and then mark the locations for best fit.

 

[Parthery]

The West Marine snap kit is garbage....either get the Sail Rite one or find a canvas guy.

When I bought the 223 (last summer - before I sold it) I ordered a new set of cushions from GW. When they came in, the snaps were not installed. I found an auto upholstery shop and they put them on for me...cost me $30 for 8 snaps (he also relocated the male snaps that were on the seats.)

Just a thought - I am sure there is an upholstery shop in Asheville that could help you....

If you come to Atlanta, the mobile guy who did my canvas can help as well.....he does great work.

 

[wspitler]

I did the job on a 330. Took most of a day. A&J lent me their tool which worked great. You could buy one but it's $120+ bucks. Let the canvas hang in warm weather for a day or two before installing snaps. 330 has camlock type attachments as well. (another tool required) I was told that each boat may have the snaps in slightly different places so they don't have a master pattern. Old canvas locations may not be perfect. either due to age/stretch. Much better to let the canvas hang and them stretch new canvas as tight as possible, mark and install. Not hard. I would not recommend relocating the male snaps as it leaves old holes in the gelcoat. A&J provided me with new males to go in the same holes, if yours are corroded you can get new ones. Maybe a days work on the 330. Make sure to return the tool ASAP and keep us in their good graces. They come highly recommended!

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

WSpliter:
Because of this group and guys like you i called them back and the tool is on its way to my house. I am thankful for my fellow Grady owners. Yall are real gentlemen. The snap tool is what legends are made of...lol. Bobby at A and J even gave me his cell number and said call him anytime if I needed help. Really great people. I will not break the trust of the snap tool. They provIde all the males for the windows and fiberglass. I thought of the same thing about the glass ones and fortunately i dont have any that are lose or pulled out as the new screws shoukd have material to bite against. When finished I will post pics. Thanks again to everyone for their advice.

 

[Fishtales]

nice to hear that they were nice enough to lend you the tool. that is awesome and will bring a ton of good will!