To Snap (or) Not To Snap?
 

This might sound like a stupid question but, I’m gonna throw it out there anyway.

I’m finally at the point in my restoration to order a cockpit cover. So, I’ve been asked; “Do you want snaps (or) do you want the twist lock style.”

The canvas guy is pretty animate about installing snaps. However, every Cigarette that I’ve seen has the twist lock style.

Does anyone have any thought’s to share on this topic? Obviously, the snaps will leave the outside of the boat looking cleaner, no? I thought that I wanted the twist lock style, but now I'm unsure. :(

I can't wait until this project is done, so I can stop having to make decisions. This is as bad as building a house! LOL!

Twist lock if you want it to stay on and be true to the trademark characteristics of a Cig.

snaps have one screw = one hole. twist style have two screws= two holes per tie down. I'd go with the one that puts the least amount of holes in gel coat and fiberglass.

I would go with the twist. I've had snaps on other boats, and they were difficult as time continued. Some snaps would be easy, some hard. I have even torn a tarp because a snap was on so tight. Also broke a button on the boat. Very random on the reliability.

I have snaps on mine, and it is a total PITA to trailer it that way. It has even blown loose in moderate wind at the dock. Once one gets loose, they all go. I am going to put on twist locks or maybe the ones that you have to lift the button to release them, kind of like on a tenneau cover or convertable top boot. Even if you just do locking fasteners at the corners, I would have something that is a positive connection.

I'd go with the twist lock style ALL DAY over the snaps. In fact, I had 90% of my cockpit cover on the Skater changed to twist locks last season when I had the chance.

The twist locks won't come loose when you're towing the boat, where snaps get worn out & loose fitting after a few seasons, making it easier for them to come undone on the road.

I think the twist locks look better too. http://smiliesftw.com/x/cool.gif

Not looking good for the snaps! So far, it's 4 to 1 for the twist lock style. ;)

Twist!!

My cafe has twists at every junction except 2 snaps - right in the middle of the windblockers. I hate putting those on because as they have aged I have had to put more and more pressure on them and I worry they are going to snap one day. Luckily they do not need to be snapped because there are two twists right beside it so I have jsut quit snapping them!!



TWISTS ALL DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ill throw a vote in for twists too. ive seen the snaps where it sometimes takes som much pressure to release them that they eventually pull out of the glass or through the canvas. havent has that problem w/ the twists.

Yikes! Snaps are getting killed here!! ;)

From what everyone is saying, the twists are more user friendly and reliable for lack of a better term.

Anything to be said for snaps once the cover is off? As far as a cleaner look is concerned?

Twists!!!!

Is no snaps or twists an option?

IMO the tie down covers that cover the whole boat (Bow to platform) are sweet, but I don't know what kind of access you have to the boat.

Twists - a Cig must!!!

This is my first boat with twists, and I have to admit I like them, although I never had any issues with my snap cover.

The only thing I don't like is that since they stick out, they can get damaged. First day of having it, climbed up the k-plane and drive and went to step up to the sunpad and kicked one of the twists right off. :picard1:

I hated the snaps on my old boat. Love the twists on the new one. ;)

I'll make it even easier for you, go see Mo at gray canvas, she did cigarettes covers for 25+ years and she may have originally done one for yours. she has all the patterns and can make anything you want. replacement for mine from pattern with twist style clips/holes put in, she quoted me 925 + shipping 954-731-0847...Rob

+1 to what Rob said! Give Mo a call and she'll hook you up!

The Gladiators come with snaps. I have had several Cigs with the twist-style and they were nice. I don't mind the snaps one bit. But, keep in mind, my boat is never exposed to the elements and the snaps stay like new. If your boat is in the weather all the time, go with the twists. And, do call Mo. She is awsome and knows her covers. She recently made me a nice dust cover from the same material that they use for cars and it is light and fits like a glove.

Twist only way for long lasting reliability.

I have a full cover that i use during the winter but it would be a total pain to use on a weekly basis. It is large, combersome, and a total handful if it is windy.

Twist locks at least on the front! They will hold while trailering. The sides of my boat are snaps and I also have 4 little "hooks" on the transom for the rear of the cockpit cover (It has little bungees that works very well in all conditions).

I think the twist locks look better when the cover is off too, because they cast a pretty cool shadow when the sun hits them right. The shadow looks like spikes, or something similar, which is kind of cool. The only "problem" I've ever had with them, is when I occasionally step on one, which can hurt like hell. http://smiliesftw.com/x/hsughno.gif

I have to agree with the donzi guy ,twist and bungees on back. I took a fountain in on trade and it had that set up great idea no fighting to get cover on

Twists all the way!!!! :drink::drink:

Don't the twist locks have a DOT stamp on them?

Brandon,

You don't seem the type to take mind altering drugs. :D

Your not the first person to say that. I've decided to go with the twist lock........don't want to stray from the pack. :)

I guess I should be glad I wasn't at Jones Town, or I'd be drinking the Kool Aid too. :p

I'm going to be keeping the boat in dry storage near my house.

I don't know, I've never had a whole boat cover before . Seems like it would be alot of extra work to put it on and take it off all of the time.

Yeah, that's what we were going to do. However, from what I understand, Mo is back logged a month or two. My boat had better be ready before then! :)

Well, I called the canvas guy on my way home Friday night to give him the news, "I'm switching to the twists."

I dreaded making the call, as he was completely and 100% against the twists.

He made me feel like I was breaking up with him! I held my ground and didn't budge. Twists baby! Gotta be like my Cigarette brethren!

Hahaha, only the drugs that bring me back to the present http://smiliesftw.com/x/confused_dazed_insane.gif

I think it probably takes a little bit of altered reality, to come up with unique designs for the boats these days. :drink:

Yes, they are DOT stamped and approved.

:grinser010:Us Donzi guys know a thing or two, sometimes!

I can appreciate the uph. guy giving you grief about putting in the twists, since they are a real PITA to install. But there is no real choice for a Cig, has to be twists, and if done right the cover will almost install itself. Once fastened front and rear, the sides should just fall on, just requiring a twist as you go along the sides. Good luck.

Twists installed.......

It's the simple things in life...........................................:D

Thats funny, and so true...i just got the EOH brake set up..wow..what a difference.

Did you convert from Surge?

If so mind me asking what it ran you? I was thinking that would be money well spent...

I bought lin's system from his myco when he sold the gun, I needed a new master cylinder because mine was leaking, had a crushed brake line on the rear of my dually, so between everything brackets and all Im in it for about 1500 or 1600, just braking from the shop to my house for about 8 miles in traffic what a change. you have my email, I'll give you a breakdown there.. :)

Hey John, are you doing any upholstery work any more? I need a new cockpit cover for my Bullet.