Replace Bimini Zippers

[ChrisHunter]

The zippers for the backstays are beginning to rip out from the Bimini top, on my Hunter 30. My question is whether anyone has been successful replacing just these zippers. I do have a heavy duty sewing machine, though not an industrial type sewing machine.

I will admit, a new bimini top will be needed next year.

Thank You

 

[31seahorse]

Hello Capt Hunter,
My wife has replaced zippers, patched holes in boat covers, added top observation Eisenglass, and even made a bimini and a dodger for us, and she has repaired sails and UV covers for the jib. She uses a Sailrite machine, the model with only the straight stitch. So, yes, it can be done by a person with sewing skills. Help might be needed to push, scrunch, jam the material under the arm of the sewing machine. Plastic zippers are available. Check whether your zippers are closed at one end or whether they are open at both ends. You need to decide whether the process of removing the bimini to install the zippers is worth the time and effort if you plan to replace the bimini next year. Best Wishes.

 

[Rich Stidger]

As 31seahorse has said, it can be done if you have some sewing skills. I also have a Sailrite machine and I have replaced zippers, installed patches, general re-stitching, and well as making new cutouts with zippers for a radar pole penetration through my winter cover.

I would suggest that zipper replacement is not the first project I would attempt. Probably the most important characteristic of the sewing machine is a walking foot. Most home machines do not have this feature.

I would suggest that you take a look at the video instructions that Sailrite has published and then decide if you feel up to the task.

For Sailrite's video on zipper installation: sailrite zipper install - YouTube

For Sailrite's website: Sailrite - Fabric, Canvas, and Sewing Machines Since 1969

Good luck. These projects can be very satisfying to accomplish.

 

[heritage]

I just finished replacing 3 zippers on my bimini. Bought the 3 YKK #10 zippers from Sailrite for about $40 with shipping. This was my first try to sew zippers and it involved a bit of a learning curve. Because the zipper sides must be separated in order to sew them to the bimini flaps that go around the support tubing, I found it was much easier to use double sided sewing tape to position the zipped up zipper in place, then unzip it and do the sewing. The actual sewing was easy.

Here is a pic of high tech machine that I used.

 

[Capt jgw]

The most important tool for this is the double sided basting tape. Keeping the zipper lined up as you sew it is a b***ch. Get the zippers and tape from Sailrite.com, they're they're the cheapest and best I have found. You'll need a heavier duty machine, not necessarily a Sailrite, but a light duty home machine probably won't have enough power.
Or just take them to a canvas shop.

 

[DArcy]

I have sewed new zippers on my dodger and sewed my main sail cover, including the zipper. I am not much of a sewer but I've made a few things here and there. They turned out reasonably well. I have a fairly heavy-duty machine that my wife picked up for free off a buy nothing Facebook group. It needed a little adjustment and lubrication but now works beautifully. A walking foot would make the stitch spacing more even but it isn't really necessary.
I didn't use basting tape, just pins. I'm sure the tape would make it a bit easier.
My rig is a bit more modern than the one @heritage is using but not much.

 

[Revv up]

A stapler works decent to temporarily hold things for sewing, remove staples as they approach the needle.

 

[ChrisHunter]

Appreciate the advise. Gives me hope that even I can, can replace the zippers. Yes, I will try Sailrite when I am ready to start.

Thanks

 

[Benny17441]

That is a lot of work for just one year. Why not try punching Snaps?