U-Zips for Eisenglass

[CAMELLA]

I'm trying to decide if I should install U-Zips on my cockpit Eisenglass curtains above the windshield. Has anyone modified there curtains? The company that would install the U-Zips in my existing curtains can't guarantee that won't leak.

 

[dpmulvey]

The odds are they will leak. However, the leak will be as slight as any other zipper. You can avoid some of the drip by having canvas covers over the zippers.

The minor inconvenience of a small leak beats the daylights out of canvas removal and put up every trip. That is one of the reasons I am considering a 390 MY as my next boat.

My 2 cents.

 

[fwebster]

Don't do it.........

U-zippers should only be used in vertical applications unless you want to deal with constant canvas leaks in the worst possible place. Zippers are impossible to seal, no matter what your canvas guy says. In a vertical plane, you can build top and bottom facings into the isinglass panel that will shed water down, but when you put an angle on them, the zipper is going to leak.

 

[ditto]

I have added "frowns" to my front glass.. Do not have to unsnapp the entire window..just the center.. cost me $75.00 each with the covers over the zippers.. significant improvment to visability when needed..

 

[MAKC]

i have the u-shaped zippers in my front eisenglass. i both love it and hate it. I love the ease of use and the visibility. I hate how it leaks all over my dashboard when it rains.

Theres always a compromise.

 

[Alex F]

I have the u-zippers and love them. Unlike other folks claiming, mine don't leak. The zippers are covered with u-shaped canvas on velcro to prtect them. So, I'm just guessing that it all depends on design and quility of the job.

I'll have to replace the icenglass, so who knows how the local shop will do the job, the may start leaking

 

[mmcguire2002]

I don't have the U. I just remove the center panel of the eisenglass if I need better visibility (especiallyt at night) or if I want more fresh air. I had a canvass made that covers my entire windshield and eisenglass for several reasons:

1. Protect eisenglass so it looks better and lasts longer
2. No leaking when it rains
3. Keeps it cool when it is very hot out
4. Privacy if I want it when at the dock

 

[Alex F]

I had a canvass made that covers my entire windshield and eisenglass for several reasons:

1. Protect eisenglass so it looks better and lasts longer
2. No leaking when it rains
3. Keeps it cool when it is very hot out
4. Privacy if I want it when at the dock

This is pretty good option, but while docked.

On my current 320, this is the first time I have the u-zippers canvas and the convenience it provides is just excellent. While my 240DA had full camper with no u-zippers the damn thing was leaking anyway. It wasn't really bad, but still. Thus, I would defenatelly get u-zippers on any of my next boat. I'm guessing if this is a known weak area for leaks, then during the design phase (if you getting it custom made) you can review several option to make it leakproof and work with your local shop. As the covers get older leaks may start develop, but if built well it'll be just several drops when it pouring rain. In the end, I would trade the risk (which I think is fixable) of leak for having the convenience of u-zippers.

 

[quality time]

Mine don't leak. My only complaint is that the PO used a heavier gauge of vinyl so they are hard to roll.

 

[CAMELLA]

I may use a coil zipper along with a canvas Velcro combination to seal the U-Zip. Thanks for all your input.

Jon

 

[Gimme Time]

I had all my canvas & isinglass replaced last winter while in Ft Lauderdale. I have two u-windows on the front and one of each side panel. Spent two days heading North last Spring in the rain along and never had any problem with leaking. They did a great job and one of the benefits of having work done like this in large boating areas are the quality of the work with such wide price ranges. The 420AC has a lot of canvas & isinglass on it and the quotes range from 5,400 to 13,000. Had to do a lot of double checking and inspect some of there work to make sure we were on the same page and exactly what to expect. They made both front u-windows to wide the first go around as they came around the curvature of the window which wouldn't roll up because of the curvature. I called them and they made new front panels the next week and put them in with no questions. Yes they had been paid but were quick to take care of it. I'd send work to them in a minute as it was a husband and wife team.

I do not like rolling them up once they have spray on them because of the salt which can start to rub and wear on them. I have see a couple of applications where straps haven been installed so our can just pull them to wards the stern and keep them flat rather than rolled up which I'm looking at to possibly modify mine.