Installing a Cockpit Cover
 

Searched and couldn't find anything so I thought I would ask.

I bought a cockpit cover for my boat as it did not come with one from the factory. Now, I have to install it. I am not at all excited about the thought of having to drill so many holes in my boat, but it must be done.

Any advice would be helpful. I have a good friend that is a very talented upholstery/ interior guy that is going to help me, but he has never done one before so he is looking for helpful hints on drilling the holes etc. Obviously installing the snaps in the cover will be a breeze for him but drilling the holes and installing the snap/ anchors in the boat is where advice will be appreciated.

Thanx in advance

Is cover designed for one or two poles? Personally I'd get those in place and adjusted allowing for a little movement in both directions and have cover in close to desired location making sure your not going to install any snaps on the cover where they will be in the way of anything. Lights, rails, etc, then run about a 2" green masking tape all along the edge where the snaps will be. I'd start in the center both front and rear and keep working your way to the sides alternating from front to rear as your installing snaps. At this point snaps are obviously already on cover. Just use a pencil to mark center for the screws as you go and when I've done it i have always started the hole with a tapered cut bit then drill with correct size bit. Only reason I use tapered bit is to just get the hole barely started so the drill bit doesn't slip.

Once you get going you'll find your own way what works best for you but as long as you just take your time and think it through you'll be fine. I like to use plenty of making tape to protect well beyond the area of snap locations just to be on the safe side although have seen people not use any. Better safe than sorry though..

Just don't stretch or pull hard at all either when lining up and drilling. Best to leave a tad on the loose side allowing cover to shrink. Also don't be afraid to use duct tape to hold cover in place as you go. That will help keep it centered as well as the correct amount of tension on it.

If you use a couple layers of masking tape on the area of where the snaps are going you can also press down somewhat firm when you have in the desired location for snap and it will leave a circle and you can easily find center that way also. Btw before screwing in snaps you should inject some 3m weather proofing sealant in holes.

Don't know what make/model boat you have, but these clips came in handy when I put one on years ago. They snap into/on the windshield molding. I used something like these at the top and left the windshield exposed, it saved a bunch of holes and I only had to drill around the back 1/3 and stern of cockpit.

http://www.perfectfit.com/15328/1559...with-Stud.html

Countersink the holes thru the gel coat, only after you drill the holes, otherwise you'll chip/crack the gel if you screw the snaps to the hull. You want the countersink to remove the gel for the full dia of the screws.

Counter sink is what I was looking to say but had a brain fart. Up way to early this morning.

Thank you for all the advice so far guys. I will certainly consider all of it. I like the idea of using duct tape to hold it in place and I had planned on picking up some masking tape, just in case I don't have enough.

Speedracer29, I have a Checkmate 253 Convincor and I believe the cockpit cover goes below the windshield so the snaps will go below the windshield I believe.

This is not my boat but here is a pic of a 253/259 with the cockpit cover on.

http://www.algroversmarine.com/chec9825portaft.jpg

Here is another, again not my boat but this is the style.

http://boats-from-usa.com/sites/defa...-253-73402.jpg

Check your glass for manufacturer, then call them to see if they have any suggestions before you start drilling the windshield frame or bow/fairing area.
Taylor Made Marine makes a lot of OEM windshields and they offer clips that go in the lower windshield frame for some models.
http://www.taylormarine.com/hardware...ips/index.html

My buddy is coming over tonight to look at it, I am pretty sure we care going to call Checkmate first to get friendly advice from them.