Snaps for Cover

Yoda2722

New Member
Sep 18, 2023
2
Boat Info
2005 Sea Ray sport 185
Engines
Mercury 190hp
Just bought a 2005 Sea Ray 185 Sport. Some of the snaps on the canvas cover are missing while others need replacement. I bought a set on Amazon that came with a hand tool but they popped off easily after they were snapped in. Any advice on the proper snaps for this model? Is there a certain size I need. New to boating so sorry if it’s a dumb question.
 
I am not sure what tool you got on amazon. I had a cheap tool and tossed it in the trash as I had similar problems. I purchased a Pres-N-Snap tool and never had any trouble ever again! The tool is certainly worth the money.
https://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Sna...MIueLrkI61gQMV9EtHAR21gQfAEAQYASABEgK3YfD_BwE
On my last 3 SeaRay boats, Greatlakesskipper made the canvas and their name was on the snaps.
I just use a good quality stainless ones and they work fine when installed with a good tool.
 
I am not sure what tool you got on amazon. I had a cheap tool and tossed it in the trash as I had similar problems. I purchased a Pres-N-Snap tool and never had any trouble ever again! The tool is certainly worth the money.
https://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Sna...MIueLrkI61gQMV9EtHAR21gQfAEAQYASABEgK3YfD_BwE
On my last 3 SeaRay boats, Greatlakesskipper made the canvas and their name was on the snaps.
I just use a good quality stainless ones and they work fine when installed with a good tool.
So does the snap size not matter
 
I have a "tool" that I bought 50 years ago. It requires a hammer and an anvil...it's not a hand squeeze tool.

I buy snaps from a reputable supplier, not ebay.

If a snap comes out and the hole is intact, no problemo. If the hole is ripped, the wife sews a small patch on the back, I drill a new hole and I'm good for many years.

No way am I going to pay a canvas shop big bucks for a $1.50 job.
 
Just bought a 2005 Sea Ray 185 Sport. Some of the snaps on the canvas cover are missing while others need replacement. I bought a set on Amazon that came with a hand tool but they popped off easily after they were snapped in. Any advice on the proper snaps for this model? Is there a certain size I need. New to boating so sorry if it’s a dumb question.

Better snaps and a better tool make all the difference. The cheap snaps use thinner material in the barrel and the when they are crimped they don't have the holding power. Similar with the tool - the cheap tools just do not have enough force to properly roll a crimp on a quality barrel. The standard snap cap has 11/64" barrel - longer will not help unless you are going through a thick material like carpeting.

The only problem is the Pres-N-Snap tool is expensive but it is by far the best. We are distributors for them and are well aware of the cost of the tool - we also use them on all our installations. (If you interested in one get in touch with me I have a few that we made a special purchase on earlier this year)

Also, one clarification on the above info "GreatLakesSkipper" does not make the canvas it is "Great Lakes Boat Top" that was the OEM for much of the Sea Ray line (typically 340 an under - except the latter 350/370s). We work very closely with them and also distribute their canvas if you happen to need some. Since the factory canvas needs to have the snaps installed we always recommend the Pres-N-Snap and even run a loaner program for our customers that do not have one or want to purchase one.

If it's just a few you need replaced I would suggest finding someone with a Pres-N-Snap tool that will do it for you or loan it to you or if unable to just go to a local shop.

-Kevin
 
Sail rite has the best price on the tool and Stainless Steel snaps. Don’t waste your time with the West Marine kits
 
I am not sure what tool you got on amazon. I had a cheap tool and tossed it in the trash as I had similar problems. I purchased a Pres-N-Snap tool and never had any trouble ever again! The tool is certainly worth the money.
https://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Sna...MIueLrkI61gQMV9EtHAR21gQfAEAQYASABEgK3YfD_BwE
On my last 3 SeaRay boats, Greatlakesskipper made the canvas and their name was on the snaps.
I just use a good quality stainless ones and they work fine when installed with a good tool.
+1 on the Pres-N-Snap tool. I bought it because we replaced our carpet with Infinity PVC flooring made for us by @Quint4. I had to install all the snaps. The Pres-N-Snap allowed me to install the snaps without pre-drilling the holes.

When I needed replacement snaps for the canvas I called Great Lakes Boat Top because all of my remaining snaps had their name on them and I wanted them to match. The customer service rep I talked to told me she was going to have to charge me, which I was fine with. Then she put me on hold, came back on and asked me if 30 would be enough, it was. She took my address, thanked me for the call and said good bye. 3 days later an envelope with 30 snaps showed up. Never paid one penny. I would suggest calling them. Their snaps are much better than anything you can get at WM or Amazon.
 
100% on the Pres-N-Snap. Expensive but worth it

1695108480760.png


Also this stuff is great. Put a dab under each snap and they are much easier to get off but also stay on:


1695108293290.png
 
I have a "tool" that I bought 50 years ago. It requires a hammer and an anvil...it's not a hand squeeze tool.

I buy snaps from a reputable supplier, not ebay.

If a snap comes out and the hole is intact, no problemo. If the hole is ripped, the wife sews a small patch on the back, I drill a new hole and I'm good for many years.

No way am I going to pay a canvas shop big bucks for a $1.50 job.
I mentioned a canvas shop because the OP likely has canvas that is torn from ripping canvas loose. This repair was $25.
20230718_131542.jpg
 
+1 on the Sailrite tool. Easy to repair snaps right on the boat without removing the canvas. No need to mske hole as it is self piercing. Put a safety strap on mine so it does end up overboard. Get the Snaps from Sailrite. They have stainess and black. They also have them for thicker material.
 

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