Attaching cockpit cushions

[gschwebemeyer]

I had just purchased a MAC 26X (1999) which came with (I think) the original cockpit cushions which are in very good condition, but have male snaps attached to the back of them. The cockpit seats however do not have any female snaps to attach on to. The former owner is unavailable to pose this question to. My question is does anyone know the best way to attach the cockpit cushions onto the cockpit seats so they don't move around when under sail? Or, since my cushions already have the male snap, is there a good way to attach the female snap to the seat without drilling holes in the seating area?

[Paulieb]

Yes - The PO of my 26X did the same thing and removed and gel-coated over the male screwed in snaps.
I don't mind so much because he replaced them with a nice set of closed cell cushions, which are great.
If you want to put them back - this is what you need:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/d ... x?a=464003

Just make sure you get the correct size.

Paulieb

[Steve K]

The factory/dealers used the screw in snaps on the seats. The seat cushions came with them and are likely lost. Any auto upholstery shop will have the screw studded ones you need. You could use Velcro as an alternative, but you'll have to have strips sewn to the bottom of the seats also.
There are not many glues that will hold the Velcro strip to the fiberglass, very well either. (I've tried many.... found Weldwood contact cement to work pretty good). I think it best to use the snaps. There will be less damage, overall to the seats. Just use a good sealant on the snaps, when you screw them down. Ninety percent of the Macs have the same snaps (even my 25 year old D boat) so this won't degrade the value of the boat or anything like that. On the other hand, most people won't like three or four glue blobs on the seats, when you sell the boat.

JMHO

Best Breezes,
Steve K.

[gschwebemeyer]

Paulieb - thanks for the web link and the tip!!!!!

[gschwebemeyer]

Steve, after fumbling around the web for more information, I came upon the Sailrite website and found something called a SNAD which is a snap fastener which uses a 3M adhesive backing instead of having to screw in the fastener. Here is the link:

http://www.sailrite.com/YKK-SNAD-Clear- ... escription

I am going to try these first and see how they work, before putting a hole in the fiberglass. Thanks for your post!!

Gary

[Steve K]

Steve, after fumbling around the web for more information, I came upon the Sailrite website and found something called a SNAD which is a snap fastener which uses a 3M adhesive backing instead of having to screw in the fastener. Here is the link:

http://www.sailrite.com/YKK-SNAD-Clear- ... escription

I am going to try these first and see how they work, before putting a hole in the fiberglass. Thanks for your post!!

Gary

Hey Gary,
Leave it to SailRite to come up with the perfect solution Didn't know they had such a thing. I will, likely try these when the need arises. Usually, if SailRite sells something, it works very well.
Although I haven't used these snaps, I do have experience with the 3M VHB, double sided foam adhesive tape. This is what I installed my new windows with and it works VERY well. So I think this will be a good solution.

I would suggest cleaning the places where you will use these with denatured alcohol or acetone, to remove any residual wax, before sticking them on.

And let us know how they work out
Oh, and thanks for the heads up

Best Breezes,
Steve K.

[dcaldarona]

Check out my blog about restoring a 85 Mac 25. I hope it's educational and helpful to folks that have questions. Notalotayacht | Restoring a 1985 MacGregor 25
https://notalotayacht.wordpress.com/