pontoon boat - installing snap fasteners

[Judy_Boat]

the pontoon boat (8' x 16") has never had a snap on mooring cover on it.
soon it will.
I will be installing the screw studs along the sides through the 1" tubing and some across the front deck through the aluminum channel(about 1/8" thick)
Will the self tapping SS screw studs (3/8"length) work for the side rails and the aluminium channel.  If so what works best for the pilot hole.

I seem to recall adding threaded screw studs before on a pontoon and having to use a tap to cut the threads in the aluminum channel.
thanks

[Mike]

1/8" will generaly work with most railings and the heavier metal Id go 9/64"

[Old sailmaker]

Dont forget to use a good sealant when installing the studs in the boat, i like 4200 or silicone

[Mike]

in a square aluminum rail I wouldn't worry about it

[Judy_Boat]

snap spacing along the sides should be about 18"
Is that about right?

[timtheboatguy]

snap spacing along the sides should be about 18"
Is that about right?

Personally, I like to use more snaps that that, usually about every 12" and more around corners and openings like for the bimini frame. I had a pontoon boat come in last year for a cover that had snaps every 8 to 9" in the boat! It was a workout putting all those snaps in!

[Mike]

also 12" is qabout the max id go on a cormal cockpit cover on a regular boat I usealy go 9" though I  havnt had to install snaps like that in a long time. maxums in the early 90s  used to use and exurbanite amount  about 4"  that was a pia

[Judy_Boat]

studs went in fine.  Only broke one drill bit.
Majority spaced 10" apart, except where going around cut outs.  Spacing looks good to the eye.
It is also a small pontoon so installing the snaps on the cover will not be too bad.
thanks for the advice

[Mike]

I space them 10 inches also