an article us marine fabricators should read

[forsailbyowner]

http://yachtsurvey.com/hardware_attachments.htm

[JuneC]

While I agree with the technical details of the article, in practice it's rarely (if ever) going to happen.  As a fabricator what do YOU do?  Do you "do it right" and charge accordingly?  How many boat owners are willing to pay those prices.  Or do you refuse the work and send the boater on his way? 

Removing core under the deck and reinforcing for bolt-through fastening of snap studs or other fasteners is, in many cases, impossible without separating the hull from the deck or at the very least, removing the salon and cabin headliner to gain access.  The costs associated with doing it right will make most boat owners either write you off as an alarmist who's trying to justify a crazy high estimate, or he'll accept your input and say do it the cheapest way possible with a dab of silicone 'cause I'm going to sell it in a few years anyway. 

June

[MinUph]

I have to agree with June. Unless you are talking about a million dollar yacht I doubt any boat owner would opt for this type of work to have a top installed. Or most any other simple install done. I've used through bolt installs whenever possible for the strength factor. But would not lift the topsides off to install snaps for a top. I wish we all had the clientele to accept this type of work though  ;)

[forsailbyowner]

This article sure makes the snads look attractive. After reading this article I came up with the idea of adding a 3rd bow to the dodger to run across the deck and eliminate fasteners in the horizontal part where the coring is.  Even if you can't adhere to Pascoes principals it helps to be aware and minimise if not altogether give up on putting holes in the core. At least many of the boats limit the coring to the horizontal spans and the combings are usually coring free where the majority of snaps are needed. .

[Mike]

speaking of doing it the hard way I saw a gps antenna installed on a saiboats stern rail. somehow they got the cable from the helm unit down to the floor under the deck to the stern rail mount and into the railing station and over to the horizontal rail where it came out a small holt to the antenna .  I would have wired tied it ti the rail for easei don't know how they got past the internal welds

[Tejas]

Here's a link to how I've done through bolting on my boat.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/sealing_the_deck&page=1

[forsailbyowner]

Nice page on potting screw holes. Might be worth pointing customers to the yachtsurvey page and offering potted fasteners at a price that makes it worthwhile. Then at least your offering a choice and its themselves they would be cussing down the road if the deck gets soft. I'm rebuilding a boat now that has a failed core. This failure was totally the fault of the manufacterer. Screws abound around the companionway into the coring. It will take removing the outer skin halfway to the mast.

[gscmarine]

Has anyone used the snads yet with any sucess?

[Mike]

I havnt tried them but I wonder how wewll they would hold in the florida sun ?
I wouldn't trust on my boat

[forsailbyowner]

Lol I use my boat for testing canvas ideas and new products. Would definately give the snads a workout. On my next order I think ill buy a 100 pack and see how well they do on a curtain on my enclosure. These get pretty heavy wind loading at times.

[fragged8]

they cost too much for me to use them in the Uk but I would like to try them..
Rich

[Mike]

on smaller boat I end up placing a snap on non flat surfaces I dond think they would work well there

[Peppy]

I bolt when I can, but my arms only have so many elbows.

he'll accept your input and say do it the cheapest way possible with a dab of silicone 'cause I'm going to sell it in a few years anyway. 

Exactly.