How do I repair a loose snap that screwed into the hull

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Member
Apr 23, 2008
143
Oxford, CT
Boat Info
2006 Searay Sport 205 w/ Monster Tower and Kicker Amp.
Towing w/ 2018 Mercedes GLE350
Engines
Merc 4.3L MPI Alpha (220hp)
I ahve a snap on the side of the boat that is a bit loose. I am assuming its only going to get worse, so I would like to fix it before one day I unsnap the cover and it comes flying out of the hull. Is this an easy repair?
 
I have some with a larger thread just for this reason. I can get a few too you this week at some point. Work in Stratford, and leave the boat in Shelton. You just need to drill out the existing hole a little larger.

I get them from www.mcmaster.com Item # 95707A684
 
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I boat a snap repiar kit from the boat us store and it had new ones in it unscrew it and screw a new one in. If the hole is loose put a toothpick (wood) in the hole start the snap screw break the pick off flush with the fiberglass and tighten the screw.
 
I boat a snap repiar kit from the boat us store and it had new ones in it unscrew it and screw a new one in. If the hole is loose put a toothpick (wood) in the hole start the snap screw break the pick off flush with the fiberglass and tighten the screw.

I don't think that will last. If you can, and the existing hole is bad, you can mix some epoxy fill the hole, let set up, then re-drill and reset.

Once the toothpick gets wet it will promote rot and loosen any grip gained.
 
Normally I just unscrew the existing screw. Fill the hole with 5200 and re-screw. let it set up before you use it. the 5200 should fill the void and be rock solid.

my 2 cents...
 
I agree with Todd on the toothpick thing. Old-timers used that remedy in a bygone era (ie, before WestMarine in every boating community across the country). Epoxy is something you should have on your boat anyway. Best to re-epoxy them as soon as you see they are loose.
 
I just did about 6 or 7 snaps with epoxy and redrilled them after it set to install the new snaps.
I found that blue painters tape to keep the epoxy off the fiberglass worked well and you could also form a trough with the tape if you have any vertical surfaces.
 
Guys - NOT 5200, that stuff is not for that job, use 4200 as the 5200 is for under the waterline and is very hard to get off as it chemicaly bonds with the fiberglass, fill with epoxy and then seal with 4200 (or even a silicone sealant) but not 3M 5200 as it will debond your glass for sure if you ever need to remove.
 
I ahve a snap on the side of the boat that is a bit loose. I am assuming its only going to get worse, so I would like to fix it before one day I unsnap the cover and it comes flying out of the hull. Is this an easy repair?

I had the same problem recently - just coat it with some clear marine silicone, and screw it back in. Worked for my loose ones!
 
I have that same problem right now but it is on the metal part on the gunwale, starboard side. I thought about going to a larger size thread but I wanted to wait and see what advice you guys could give me.
 
I have that same problem right now but it is on the metal part on the gunwale, starboard side. I thought about going to a larger size thread but I wanted to wait and see what advice you guys could give me.

Having the oversize thread available is really handy for a fast repair that is same as new. If it's into the glass make sure you use the proper drill bit to size the hole. If you cram the #10 screw in the slightly worn #8 hole you can create some stresses that will generate cracks starting from the hole. I take a phillips bit and put in the hole and burnish the new edge. I don't get cracking if I do that and use the correct bit. You can only go oversize the one time and then you will have to epoxy and redrill.
 
Go to hardware store and get small plastic dry wall anchor, put in hole, screw snap in.
 
I have some with a larger thread just for this reason. I can get a few too you this week at some point. Work in Stratford, and leave the boat in Shelton. You just need to drill out the existing hole a little larger.

I get them from www.mcmaster.com Item # 95707A684

I was just down at the boat, I have plenty if you need some.
 
I just did about 6 or 7 snaps with epoxy and redrilled them after it set to install the new snaps.
I found that blue painters tape to keep the epoxy off the fiberglass worked well and you could also form a trough with the tape if you have any vertical surfaces.

just my 2 pennies worth. if you do have to contain the bonding, use playdough to make the dam, works like a charm.
 
you serious?

:smt043
Yes I am serious. Have done it for a long time, works. Almost too easy to be true. I keep some plastic anchors in my tool box. Kinda interesting to watch people's reaction when you tell them how to fix the problem.
 
I found that blue painters tape to keep the epoxy off the fiberglass worked well and you could also form a trough with the tape if you have any vertical surfaces.

just my 2 pennies worth. if you do have to contain the bonding, use playdough to make the dam, works like a charm.

Just mix microfibers or microballons in your epoxy until it forms a thick paste, then it won't run down vertical surfaces.
 
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