Canvas repair

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45orchards

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Can anybody suggest how to replace the metal poppers that hold the canvas covers over the flybridge and around the cockpit. Can I replace them myself (is there a special tool required), or is it better to take somewhere for repair? If so where is a good place around the Solent/Southampton area?
 
You can get blister packs of the poppers in just about any chandlers, in the packs is a little punch and base piece needed to close them. All you need is a hammer
 
Beware sub-standard poppers, I replaced about 20, half of them have pulled out in a month. Bought at the swindelry....
Try asking a company that specialises in covers to get the industrial strength ones?
 
It's not so much the popper, as the material around it. If the material is weak, it doesn't matter much how good the popper is. If replacing them, and material is worn, then you need to patch the material first
 
Get a pack from caravan shop - only about £2.00 odds as against £10 or more. Like Brendan says, once the hole is stretched or torn you need to patch it. We use some nylon canvas type material from a n old cheapo rucksack and cut two small squares and glue with carpet glue, one to either side of old hole. Use a small tipped screwdriver or similar - heat the tip and push through the fabric and original hole. The fit the dot fastener using the punch kit. Really easy. We also regularly put some teflon oil on the dots and studs to prevent sticking and pulling off. Some candle wax or soap will do as well.
 
I have 2 year old cockpit canopy bought from a well known local sail and canvas supplier. The quality was very poor and despite my numerous representations they ignorred their responsibilities.. to make good so lost another future customer. This left me to undertake some major canvas stiching repairs including the replacement of snap fastners. I found that the original ones had damaged the fabric and required a strip of material to strengthen the cover before taking the new fastner and punching them home. The failure rate of new fastners was astonishingly high but they are better than original ones now.

If you want to avoid DIY route Arun Canvas and Rigging based in Littlehampton are very helpful and repair/make covers and have reasonable rates. Great for SS rigging, fittings and ropes etc but also manufacture covers.
 
Brendan is quite correct - buy a blister pack with the punch etc included.

They are much cheaper at the boat show or indeed at a camping shop.

When my boat was new every time I removed a canvas cover one went 'ping'. They are all replaced now - I think.

BTW I use silicone spray to keep them working ok.

Funny thing, I have a classic car with the same fastenings on the roof/tonneau and in 30+yrs of use I have never replaced a single popper! Just shows what the marine environment does.
 
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