Removing screw in cover snaps

[Straightoutofline]

Good morning.<br />I was wondering if anyone has removed their screw in cover snaps...I bought a used boat without the cover,and there are about a million snaps around my boat,really making it look crapy.I do not want them there...but I don't want to look at holes either...<br />Any ideas as to a product that I can fill the holes with...and not have to re-gell the entire upper half of the boat when I'm done? <br />Thanks!

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

If its white gelcoat MarineTex putty is an epoxy based putty that works well.

 

[Straightoutofline]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

Thanks for the reply.<br /><br />Have you used this product? Would you use it like you would joining compound when fixing nail holes in a wall in your home...kinda smear it in with your finger?<br />My gelcoat is white...but faded and a little discolored due to the boat being a 1979...can it be tinted to match?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

Without Repainting the area,......<br /><br />You're Always going to have Either;......<br />Snaps....<br />Holes.....<br />Or You'll See the Putty..........<br /><br />Just like filling Nail Holes in Wood,.... Without Paint,.. You'll See Them.......

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

but i think the marine-tex may blend well. it comes in white, which is actually just a bit off from white. yes, great product, very strong, and used just like you described.<br /><br />i'd pick one snap and try it out. see how it looks. if you get it smooth (may have to lightly sand at just the area) and polish the area with wax, you may not notice them that much.<br /><br />good luck-

 

[navigator336]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

The best way to fill a screw hole with Marine Tex is to inject it into the hole with a syringe and a very short large bore needle. Assuming you don't have the above, putting the epoxy in like you suggest but then sticking a pin through the center (to allow the trapped air out) and repeating will work reasonably. Leave the epoxy a little below the surface. Now go get a gel coat patch kit and follow the instructions. If you take your time, you can get a pretty darn good match and finish. It's a pain, and won't look perfect.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

Marine Tex is one of those products that every boater should have whether they think they need it or not - - at some point they will.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

.... inject it into the hole with a syringe and a very short large bore needle. Assuming you don't have the above, ...

You can get this at the home center in the wallpaper department. It's sold for regluing wallpaper seams.

 

[flashback]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

Try filling the holes with your choice of filler, then get a roll of striping tape and add a "new" stripe to your boat to cover the filled holes..

 

[uscboy]

Re: Removing screw in cover snaps

Originally posted by flashback:<br /> Try filling the holes with your choice of filler, then get a roll of striping tape and add a "new" stripe to your boat to cover the filled holes..

Nice. Clever.<br /><br />Those snaps tend to line up too.<br /><br />Very clever.