New Canvas Install Problem

[Doc_Vegas]

Hey Guys:

I replaced the front canvas on the Maxum, but the eyelets were not installed. Is there a special tool or proceedure to put these in? I tried to line up and push one through the canvas, but it seemed impossible to do by hand.

Thanks!

[seapuppy]

yep..go to your local chandlery and they will have the proper tool to help with the instl.....be careful poking holes in the canvas as it isn't easy to repair if you make too big of a hole....

SP

[BayBoy]

I installed a new canvas last season and what I did was pull the canvas tight and square over the male portion of the eyelet (part attached to the boat), used a grease pencil to mark the centerline of the eyelet on the canvas then I attached the female portion of the eyelet (centered over my mark) to the canvas. After it was attached, I used a punch tool to open up the canvas enough for the male piece to fit. Once all was good, I used a blade to trim up the inside of the hole. Works great. Same process works for locating snaps.

[Doc_Vegas]

Thanks Guys - any idea what this tool is called? I searched ebay and came up blank.

Thanks again

[BayBoy]

There is a special tool for the snaps, see link for example http://www.scalisemarine.com/fasteners1.htm#tools, and there is also a cheaper version which slides over the jaws of a pair of vice grips (Leta's Top Shop provides this version with her new canvas). I haven't seen a special tool for the twist type fastners used around the windshield. The type that was provided with my canvas consisted of a top (outside) piece that had 4 pointed tabs and a backing plate (inside). What I did was line up the outside piece with my grease pencil mark (described in previous thread) and used a razor knife to cut a small starter slit in line with each of the 4 tabs. I then pressed the outside piece through the canvas, placed the backing plate and then bent the tabs over with handle of a screw driver so if it slipped I didn't gouge the canvas. Worked great and have had no issues.