Helm enclosure front window zipper?

[Melzer]

I had a full set of enclosure done for my Leopard 44 last year. When mooring I would like to be able to open the front enclosure easily and quickly which is not doable with the current solution. Based on pictures from others I envisioned a U-shaped zipper to have a clear view as quickly as possible would be the best solution. The loft to do the job however suggested 2 separate zippers vertically and one extra zipper horizontally at the lower part of the enclosure. I can see the benefit, but don't think the solution is the hassle-free solution I'm looking for.

I'm seeking advice. Does the U-shaped solution have some issues in real life? Does anyone have a solution with the 2 zippers and have some pro/con?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Melzer.

Depending upon the radius, the "U-shaped" zipper might bind at the corner curves.

[smj]

I’m guessing it depends on how much of a radius you want on your opening. This worked well with a single zipper on our old Seawind 1000.

[Southern Star]

We also have a single u-shaped zipper and it works fine. As has been pointed out, the larger the radius the better.

Brad

[Sailmonkey]

We don’t have a helm enclosure, but our dodger has a single u shaped zippered panel and has never caused a problem.

[Melzer]

thanks for the confirmation. Will pursue the U-shaped solution and make sure the radius of the turn will be adequate to avoid binding.

The solution outlined in the picture has in my opinion 3 drawbacks:
1. I need to unzip/zip 3 places which I think is difficult to do fast.
2. The lower zip is placed behind a raised dashboard making it difficult to reach
3. The lower zip has a lot of tension, so it is hard to close, and I most often need to jump outside to close it.

Jan Melzer
Denmark

[Just Cause]

Originally Posted by Melzer

I had a full set of enclosure done for my Leopard 44 last year. When mooring I would like to be able to open the front enclosure easily and quickly which is not doable with the current solution. Based on pictures from others I envisioned a U-shaped zipper to have a clear view as quickly as possible would be the best solution. The loft to do the job however suggested 2 separate zippers vertically and one extra zipper horizontally at the lower part of the enclosure. I can see the benefit, but don't think the solution is the hassle-free solution I'm looking for.

I'm seeking advice. Does the U-shaped solution have some issues in real life? Does anyone have a solution with the 2 zippers and have some pro/con?Attachment 168703

I have what your loft recommended and love it! If you do the "U" shape you will need to roll it up, which in my opinion, Over time will chafe the plastic making it hard to see ahead. With side enclosures it's no big deal. Straight ahead is a different story

[smj]

Originally Posted by Just Cause

I have what your loft recommended and love it! If you do the "U" shape you will need to roll it up, which in my opinion, Over time will chafe the plastic making it hard to see ahead. With side enclosures it's no big deal. Straight ahead is a different story

We never had a problem with chafe or visibility with our vinyl rolled up windows. Maybe depends on type vinyl used?


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by smj

We never had a problem with chafe or visibility with our vinyl rolled up windows. Maybe depends on type vinyl used?


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

We haven’t experienced any problems either. Our dodger is 10 years old now and the roll up section is still clear and undamaged.

[Cheechako]

The front shield on my Lagoon cat removed entirely full width with zippers. It's a nice option. It was three shields that zipped together.

[RSB333]

Have you considered the "frown" configuration: inverted "u". We used this successfully on our last enclosure, which made for a fast partial drop of the center section. The zipper had a single track, but two zipper pulls that met in the center, which allowed one to drop the entire panel, or drop only the upper half which is all we needed in order to see the deck and dock.
rsb

[LooseGoose]

our centre panel flips up and clips to the top's underside.....no rolling up, no scratches, very pleased. Did the same with 2 side panels for ventilation.

[Sandgroper]

Originally Posted by Just Cause

I have what your loft recommended and love it! If you do the "U" shape you will need to roll it up, which in my opinion, Over time will chafe the plastic making it hard to see ahead. With side enclosures it's no big deal. Straight ahead is a different story

Try an inverted "U", the flap will then fall down. You can raise and zip when you've finished what you're doing.

I've seen this on a few boats it seems to work well, the clear flap was no worse than the rest.

[Melzer]

Reversed U . That possibility I didn't thought about, but like the idea to have it drop rather than roll up.
Seems like all 3 paths has proven their worth by those who use them day to day.
Thanks.

Jan
Denmark

[Glenn C]

We have a vertical zipper either side and press studs along the horizontal. We don’t roll it up but just clip the flap under the hard top