Tails on zippers or no?

Carpediem44DB

Carpediem44DB

Well-Known Member
Aug 18, 2015
3,230
Sanfransico Bay area
Boat Info
2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
Engines
Volvo TAMD 74 P
I am building an enclosure for a YC member for her 40 foot aft cabin Del Ray. The boat has a hard top over the raised after deck so I am only building the side curtains, 7 panel in total with 5 being windows. The panels will all be zipped in on the sides and top and held taught with Stay-put cord fasteners.
I am debating on how to treat the zipper start ends. Some like them left long with a tail for easy connection and others thinks that is just wonky. Any thoughts one way or the other? The gal that owns the boat is rather new and will like what ever I do. I have done a few projects for people around the marina to help them out as getting into a premier canvas shop takes 3 to 6 month lead time and the shops have seemed to price in a premium for the demand. I take on progressively more complex jobs to hone the craft but not looking to replace my living but man, word gets out and all of a sudden I have my own waiting list!
Thanks for the input.
Carpe Diem
 
I concur.
 
No tail - but since it is a hardtop make sure you have easy access to the zipper start. If there is some sort of obstruction you may need to reconsider having a tail and putting a pull cord on the zipper.

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
No tail - but since it is a hardtop make sure you have easy access to the zipper start. If there is some sort of obstruction you may need to reconsider having a tail and putting a pull cord on the zipper.

-Kevin
Click to expand...
I installed awning rail and fabricated a 2 inch margin to be transition from Kedder welt to the top zipper so starting the vertical zippers will be no issue so no tails it is. I appreciate the confirmation. And, who doesn't enjoy a little tail on the boat:cool:
Back to sewing
Carpe Diem
 
Carpediem44DB said:
I am building an enclosure for a YC member for her 40 foot aft cabin Del Ray. The boat has a hard top over the raised after deck so I am only building the side curtains, 7 panel in total with 5 being windows. The panels will all be zipped in on the sides and top and held taught with Stay-put cord fasteners.
I am debating on how to treat the zipper start ends. Some like them left long with a tail for easy connection and others thinks that is just wonky. Any thoughts one way or the other? The gal that owns the boat is rather new and will like what ever I do. I have done a few projects for people around the marina to help them out as getting into a premier canvas shop takes 3 to 6 month lead time and the shops have seemed to price in a premium for the demand. I take on progressively more complex jobs to hone the craft but not looking to replace my living but man, word gets out and all of a sudden I have my own waiting list!
Thanks for the input.
Carpe Diem
Click to expand...
Leave the tails off. You can always add pulls to the zippers if you need them.
 
Tails where it is difficult to get the start box put together. There are several zippers on my enclosure that I put tails on where the zipper put the canvas/vinyl in tension that would have been near impossible to get started without.
 
I'll be following threads like this for sure. You guys all have a lot of great tips and tricks for sewing. I just started. First project was to fix one of my old visors. I just bought a full enclosure from KevinC, but my old stuff was functional still. I just needed to repair a couple zipper seams. I'll use those in place of my new ones for storing etc.
 
Just curious, when you say tails do we mean a section of zipper just loose from the canvas or an actual extension?

our guy left about 1/2” “loose” on the really difficult rear enclosure zippers and I appreciate it everytime I zip the canvas, especially in the cold
 
I prefer the appearance of no tail. However if this is a piece that comes on and off frequently, the tail is appreciated.
 
Strecker25 said:
Just curious, when you say tails do we mean a section of zipper just loose from the canvas or an actual extension?

our guy left about 1/2” “loose” on the really difficult rear enclosure zippers and I appreciate it everytime I zip the canvas, especially in the cold
Click to expand...
Some canvas installers leave up to 2 inches of the zipper at the start box end extended beyond the panel for the reason you stated, easy zipper engagement on tight enclosure joints. They can look a bit wonky just hanging over. I have seen enclosures where a spot of velcro was used to secure the tail to the canvas which helps keep things looking tidy.
CD
 
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