Camper Back Zipper

Sea Angel · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:59 pm Post subject: Camper Back Zipper

It took awhile before my brain engaged to solve a safety concern I have had for some time about going forward while afloat and having to unsnap the cover top.

Idea

Why don't I just have a zipper added to my camper top ???? Embarrased

I should have thought of this when bought the top. Though the back was installed in 2006 it was checked an is in excellent condition according to my 'top guy', so it would not be money wasted.

Well, I have it done and now I can not only go forward but also reach the anchor lite base while underway. I don't normally have the lite plugged in (unless on a trip) when cruising locally because of the storage height limits.

I had an added strip of velcro to each side so the resulting flaps would be up out of the way when needed, as going thru locks or setting the nav lite. I am told the zipper is the largest available, a #10. There are 2 of these nylon zippers that start from the the center line; one to port & one to starboard.

I have added pixs of the setup in my upgrade sub-album.

Art

thataway · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 10:34 pm Post subject:

Some of the Bimini's are made with a zipper right next to the awning rail bolt rope. Then a piece of Sunbrella over lapping the zipper to make it water tight. You have done it right--and putting the velcro on the inside to hold the flap back is a great idea.

Sea Angel · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 4:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks Bob;
We discussed covering the zipper where I wanted it placed. A cover at this location would trap water either from drainage from the top or from driven rain from off the roof line. I wanted the zipper in as close a position to the roof line as possible and to keep the spacing between the side panel mounts so no modification would be needed.

Where you noted the alternative position makes sense to have a cover. As to whether the top is completely water proof, I don't worry too much about that. If I get some drips here and there, it is a boat and the cabin is dry.

I suppose I could go around all the seams and seal the stitching to improve any minor 'stuff'. I should have noted that the zipper did come with some covering by itself to keep dirt out of the prongs.

Art