window cover snap to fabric question

For inside the boat, I used the nickel snaps and they have lasted. I used the cheap tool set from Sailrite. Again, worked fine.

http://www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastener-Installation-Tool
http://www.sailrite.com/Hole-Cutter-1-8_2


As to windshield curtains outside, this is JMO, but it seems like a PIA. They'd get wet, dirty and I've have to walk out there each and every morning to remove them to leave.

I also installed tracks over all the windows and door. They are plastic and mount to wood strips I "glued" up w/ 5200. The wood strips are only about 1" wide and I painted them to match. The curtains give the boat a more "homey" feel and the wife was very specific about how they looked. She wanted pleats and all; she got them and is happy. Pics in my album if interested.
 
thanks for all the input on this after reading all the post and looking online. the canvas guy in town wanted 50$ to snap them in for me so decided to do stainless studs and nickel snaps and put them in myself. as the canvas guy didn't seem like he really wanted to do it anyways. thanks again and went with sailrite.
 
Jake B":u649ezaw said:
I already know to get the 5/8 stud screw in snaps for the windows and to use existing holes.
Click to expand...

I found a local source for 3/8 stud screw snaps. Does anyone know if these will work in the window frames to do a similar installation of window coverings with snaps? I am assuming 3/8 inch is the screw length and should be sufficient to use in the existing screw holes in the window frame. Is this a correct assumption?
Thanks,
Grazer
 
I second Thataway's comment regarding the vise-grip dies. Work great! With very little experimentation you can accurately set each snap the same compressed amount. They are very simple, just slide over the jaws of a large pair of vise grips, and slip off when finished.
 
in most cases the 3/8" studs should work fine; especially if you are just drilling new holes. As I recollect the 3/8 will also work where you replace the current screws also.
 
Jake, when we chose the window covering material we found a see thru product that can block 75 % UV rays . Gives great privacy from the outside and yet you can still see out when you want to see whats happening around you. Sunbrella and others make it in varying degrees of blockage. :idea you can see pic in my album.
 
We have used the sunscreen/see out material on a variety of motorhomes; if you can see out during daylight, others can see in at night when you have the lights on.

We ordered the factory window covers when we bought our boat, because we knew we'd be cruising in the PNW right away and not have a sewing machine with us to be able to make them while on the boat. Joan is the seamstress, I do the snaps. We have made other covers for previous boats, and have made additional covers (and replaced snaps) for Wild Blue.

When we picked up the boat, we were surprised to find that the front windshield cover was outside mounted, while all the other covers were inside. If you are in a crowded anchorage and want privacy, you also don't want to have to go outside to remove the windshield cover in the middle of the night... when those middle of the night moves become necessary. :wink: For years, we used the pop up sun shields made for a truck size, that fit almost perfect on the C-Dory. When we decided to spend the entire summer on the boat at Friday Harbor, Joan made inside windshield covers, I put in the snaps... shoulda done that a long time ago. She also made snap on screens for the opening center windshield and the cabin door (trimmed with matching Sunbrella).

One note on towing with the outside windshield cover: when we picked up our boat, I asked about towing with that cover on - they said, "Don't do that; it will abrade the windshield glass." Last year, on that almost 3,000 mile tow from the Tropical Tip to Anacortes, WA, we decided to try the windshield cover on while towing. About half way into that trip, one of the snaps pulled out of the fabric... the snapping fabric left blue marks on the gelcoat; took quite a bit of elbow grease to get that off.

Over 40,000 miles of towing the boat (all except the part of the trip above) without a windshield cover and no windshield damage. I put a couple coats of wax on the hull before every major trip and there is almost no pitting in the bow gelcoat. I do notice some marks in the forward bottom paint from time to time. That said, we rarely tow faster than 60-62mph. In our motorhoming days, even with a dirt skirt or mud-shield on the back of the motorhome, the vehicles being towed always received paint nicks on the front of the hood. We generally towed at the speed limit. Lesson for us: slower towing results in less touch-up later.

Best wishes,
Jim
 
We purchased a snap kit from WM-

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=50699

The main tool is a set of vice grips with "guides" for different sized snaps that mount on the jaws of the vice grips. I was able to figure it out in short order and only had 2 messed up attempts due to 'stupid'. Granted this is the more expensive set, but the SS hardware supplied and the tools made it worth my time and effort. I have used it to make Velcro extension straps and, strap holders and extenders.

Art
 
forgot to follow up on this post. we went with the dye type punch for hole making then the snaps went through that. my gma came out and measured all windows then i went ahead and and put them up not see through but sun wont fade them. ended up going with a dark blue as the grey was a little light for my liking. we have used them a few times while staying on boat and the privacy is very nice but also easily removable too. I would recommend them to anyone who stays overnight on there boat especially if on a busy dock..
 
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