Homemade boat top

[Grits]

After looking at a bunch of boat tops this weekend my wife has decided she can make one for 1/3 the price. So far she has been able to locate almost everything she needs but there is a few things I have not been able to find.

Can anyone tell me where I can get heavy duty snaps (the kind where the male portion screws one)?

I saw some tops that had the rear pole on a slider track so that when the top was down you could slide it forward and have it rest on the bow so that it wasn't in the way. Any idea where to get something like that from?

Thanks in advance.

[ampersat]

instead of using the snaps, i would recommend the plastic clips that are commonly used on backpacks and such. the release would be just as easy as the snaps (just squeeze and they'll release), and they offer quick adjustment for tension. they're only about $4 apiece at gi joes or fisherman's.

speaking of homemade tops, if and when i get a boat, i was thinking of making a top out of conduit and grey polytarp. anyone have experience/good advice on this? i know it's not the optimum solution to the problem but it would be within my price range.

[Vinny]

Make sure of your thread. When in doubt and in lieu mfg's recommendations, I use type "E" nylon thread, available from skydiver rigging sources.
Email me if it's an issue, I'm sure I can put you on to some skydivers and/or riggers in your local area. The local rigger(s) will know the source for type E.

[Dogfish]

Check out Boater's world.com. I have found the screw in male snaps at their walk-in stores, but I don't think that they would have enough to do an entire boat in stock, so the on-line order should square you away. The bases for the cover are also available there. Go brass or stainless only, especially if your boat will see the salt. That includes every screw you replace. Use the 5/8" snaps, more holding power.

Hopefully you have the old top as a pattern, but if not you may be able to get a pattern from the boat manufacturer.

[Orca]

For lots of different hardware, and possibly the slider track you are talking about, check boatfix.com (a little hard to navigate, but lots of good stuff).

[Floater]

I needed some parts for my top an found everything at Fishermans in O'city. Harvey Marine in Aloha (hillsboro) has some stuff too.

[boater]

i would use all stainless, leave the brass alone. also, if your boat is aluminum put a plastic washer between the boat and the stainless snap to prevent disimular metal corrosion

[CAGEY]

When i need those snaps etc. i just go to a place that makes tops and buy them from them.