Boat Hacks – Seized cover popper Fix

Reviving Your Boat Covers: A Guide to Replacing Corroded and Seized Poppers with Plastic Ones

Introduction: A boat cover is essential for protecting your vessel from the elements, ensuring it stays in top condition for years to come. However, over time, the metal poppers used to secure the cover can become corroded and seized, making it challenging to fasten the cover properly. Thankfully, replacing these troublesome metal poppers with plastic ones can breathe new life into your boat cover and make securing it a breeze once again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to replace corroded and seized boat cover poppers with durable plastic alternatives, ensuring your boat stays protected and ready for your next adventure on the water.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

The first step is to carefully examine the existing poppers on your boat cover. Look for signs of corrosion, such as rust or discoloration, and check if any of the poppers are seized or difficult to open and close. Make a note of how many poppers need replacing and the size and type of poppers required.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

To replace the corroded and seized poppers, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Plastic poppers – https://amzn.to/3JYGzEb 
• Fixing screws – https://amzn.to/3Wz90QH
• Screwdriver or drill – https://amzn.to/4ahgmvk
• 3mm drill bits – https://amzn.to/4bcK9Xq 
• 8mm drill bits – https://amzn.to/3QJ8N9F
• Cleaning alcohol – https://amzn.to/3WFdWDA

Step 3: Remove the Old Poppers

Using a screwdriver or drill, carefully remove the old poppers from the boat cover. If any of the poppers are seized, you may need to use pliers to loosen them before unscrewing them completely. Take care not to damage the fabric of the boat cover during this process.

Step 4: Clean the Area

Once the old poppers are removed, clean the area around each popper with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth. This will remove any dirt, grease, or residue left behind by the old poppers, ensuring a clean surface for the new poppers to adhere to.

Step 5: Prep the poppers

Open up the plastic popper with an 8mm drill bit by hand. Drill the centre of the plastic popper with a 3mm drill bit. Peel back the self adhesive backing paper and install the new plastic poppers in the same locations where the old poppers were removed. Screw the screws in to ensure the poppers do not come off if the glue fails. Repeat this process for each popper that needs replacing.

Step 6: Test the New Poppers

Once all the new poppers are installed, test them to ensure they open and close smoothly and securely. If any of the poppers are loose or not functioning correctly, double-check the installation and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Revived Boat Cover

With the new plastic poppers installed, your boat cover is now ready to provide reliable protection for your vessel once again. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your boat is shielded from the elements, thanks to your handy DIY popper replacement project.

Conclusion: Replacing corroded and seized boat cover poppers with plastic ones is a straightforward DIY project that can extend the life of your boat cover and ensure proper protection for your vessel. By following these steps, you can revitalize your boat cover and enjoy worry-free boating adventures for years to come.