Snap on cover unsnapping

Xavid · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 4:05 pm

I have happily and successfully trailered with my snap on cover for a few years. It is sooo much easier and less toxic for my gelcoat than my other cover, the kind that has the multiple vertical cinch up tie down straps. I tow at 60 mph and lower, and had never had a problem until the last couple times when the snaps on the very back, by the platform have come unsnapped, and obviously were therefore flapping around making little painful marrs to the surrounding surfaces. I dont think I have either over tightened or under tightened the cover with the pole supports, and no rain or excessive winds (other than highway speeds) have occurred. I think those snaps have just lost their integrity, and loosened due to use. They do, however, still feel tight when snapped, and give what seems like normal pressure to fasten. Should I try new snaps? What recommendations do y'all have? I'd hate to have to go back to the other cover - I usually just use that for winter storage. I can post pics if that would help.

Xavid · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 4:37 pm

Here are a few pics:

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 4:48 pm

I always was under the assumption that they were not designed for towing? That's what the label says at least.

Xavid · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 5:00 pm

Yes that is true, however I believe many regularly tow this way without problem based on other threads on here I have seen. The concern is liability if the whole thing comes off and lands on or screws with oncoming traffic. That can't happen with my set up as I do use 2 or 4 anchoring tie down straps as well for safety. I know Four Winns makes a kick ass trailering cover that doesnt use tie downs rather it uses i think a tightenable circumferential strap or cable. It is about 800 bucks and reportedly also rubs the gel coat where the cover is tightened against it.

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 280

Is the problem just at the stern portion of the cover? if so, I would modify the cover to add bungee loops to make it tighten up in the back (instead of snaps)... I don't know why yours doesn't have them... I thought all FW covers came with those.. ( at least the 2 i have experience with have)...

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 787

I would use the trailering cover. I just got it this season and have done two trips 1 1/2 hours each way. No marks on the gel coat. The cockpit and bow covers were not designed for trailering. You will stretch them just from the wind at highway speeds.

Xavid · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:47 pm

skidaddytn wrote:

Is the problem just at the stern portion of the cover? if so, I would modify the cover to add bungee loops to make it tighten up in the back (instead of snaps)... I don't know why yours doesn't have them... I thought all FW covers came with those.. ( at least the 2 i have experience with have)...

There are 2 loops on each side near the stern portion that I do use tie downs on. I am not sure if that is what you are talking about.

Xavid · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:50 pm

blue dragon wrote:

I would use the trailering cover. I just got it this season and have done two trips 1 1/2 hours each way. No marks on the gel coat. The cockpit and bow covers were not designed for trailering. You will stretch them just from the wind at highway speeds.

Does your cover have multiple tie down straps or does yours tighten up with a drawstring?

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 787

It uses a drawstring which is cinched tight

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 280

These things have been on the back of most FW covers I have seen... since yours is unsnapped in the back, I wonder if these would hold better...

210 SS · **Joined:** Sat Dec 17, 2011 5:35 pm **Posts:** 39

skidaddytn wrote:

These things have been on the back of most FW covers I have seen... since yours is unsnapped in the back, I wonder if these would hold better...

Incidentally, where can you buy replacements of those?

Xavid · **Posted:** Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:05 pm

I don't have these. How do they work? Are there hooks or something they attach to? Are they snap covers that also have this loop on them to connect a tie down strap to?

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 280

Ah.. found a picture I had saved... this is how several FW covers are secured stern side... everywhere else there are snaps... you could probably retrofit your cover if you wanted...

Xavid · **Posted:** Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:58 pm

skidaddytn wrote:

Ah.. found a picture I had saved... this is how several FW covers are secured stern side... everywhere else there are snaps... you could probably retrofit your cover if you wanted...

I would be interested in converting from snaps to these on the stern side of my cover. Anyone know where to get these and the hooks or whatever attaches to the boat?

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 280

Look here for how:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56CYAz3uVDc

google turned up one vendor, i'm sure there are many

http://www.sailrite.com/Shock-Cord-Lacing-Knob-White

Look for boat cover shock cords

www.iFourWinns.com

Snap on cover unsnapping

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