: Does anyone know of a source for waterproof zippers ? I can find plastic
: zippers designed for marine use, ( Seattle Fabrics) but not waterproof
: zippers
: sold the retail level. My requirements are for the zippers in approx. 8 ft
: lengths.

Tom,

If you want a waterproof seal you don't need to use a waterproof zipper to obtain it. The plastic zippers designed for marine use are just fine

IF

(and that is a big IF)

you use them OVER a rolled or folded flap.

The basic idea is that when you create the opening you have about 12 inches of excess material on each side. This material is then brought together and folded sharply over a chine -- which could be a 1/4 inch cedar strip or a plastic strip of similar dimensions. Roll this three times, just as you would seal a drybag and it should lie flat along the deck. It can be off center if you wish.

This creates a waterproof seal along your 8 foot length.

Now, you an use a non waterproof zipper to hold this closed and provide a decorative cover. I believe you can find 100 inch zippers for sleeping bags more easily, and cheaper than 96 inch zippers (8 feet) so you might want to look at this option if you can live with a zipper which is 4 inches longer than your plan.

attaching the zipper then should be a breeze. Cut strips of your vinyl coated material about 6 to 8 inches wide and as long as the loth tape which forms one side of the zipper. Sew one edge of each strip the zipper tape. You an leave the teeth of the zipper exposed, or arrange the fabric so that the edges of the strips meet, or overlap 1/4 inch to cover the teeth of the zipper. This is a matter of looks and taste. When you are finished your zipper will be in the middle of a strip 12 to 16 inches wide and about 8 feet long.

use a few pieces of masking tape or duct tape to hold this piece on the boat so that the zipper lies directly over the folded seal. Use masking tape on the deck to outline the edges of this piece, then lift it up and apply your glue ( are you using h-66?) to the deck in a strip about 2 inches wide, and inside the masking tape line. Apply a matching stripe of to the underside of the strip on the zipper, and join the pieces like you do whn you glue together the hull and deck parts. Once one side of this is glued down you can mark the other side and glue it the same way, or, if you want to pull in a little slack, unzip the zipper and glue the strip about 1/4 inch further away. Then when you later re zip the zipper it will draw in 1/4 inch more than with it just sitting there.

You should get a waterproof seal and a neat zippered look.

Hope this helps.

PGJ