D Zip on front clear?
Gang
Somewhere down the track, I'm going to be replacing my side and front clears. I 'lost' my front clear some time ago (embarrasing story 
) and the port side one ripped.
Having a look at Paul's boat and a couple of others, I've noticed that some have single and double D zip sections. Don't ask me why ('cause I don't know) but I prefer not to look through a front clear when underway - I guess it comes down to absolute clarity (with my anchient failing eyesight LOL).
I think (from memory) it was your boat Paul that had one D zip set up in such a way that it folded down (the curve of the D was at the top - if you know what I mean). Doing it the other requires straps to roll the uzipped section/s out of the way.
Wondering what peoples thoughts were on the pros and cons of front D zips - I guess they also good for air circulation and it means I don't have to take the clears off (unless 'lubricating' the studs etc or other maintenance).
Thoughts folks?
Soon to be de "dreamweaver" ed!
.thumbnail.JPG "Yellow Fin Tuna Christens the new Tug")
Commodore Marine
Posts: 96
Date Joined: 12/05/08
Dreamy, Having the D with
Dreamy,
Having the D with the round at the top, or a frown, means that if you take a wave across the bow it doesn't come through the zip. When you unzip 2 straps at the bottom of the clear are used to secure and stop it flapping. Also the zip should have two zipppers to allow you to open either way.
The issue of 2 or one large zip is a personal preference, but consider how much air you want to allow to circulate when at rest or underway if the clears are open.
Regards
Andrew
Factory Direct - Australia Wide
08 9417 7200, 24 Tichborne Street, Jandakot, WA 6164
www.commodoremarine.com
Andrew Welch
Commodore Marine
Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
Thanks Andrew!
That's exactly the sort of advice I was looking for! Mine's a cuddy cab with fairly high coamings and inclined foredeck, so it's very rare to get much water over the top of the windscreen, but I take your point. Also, because it is a cuddy, (and correct me if I'm missing something here Andrew) I suspect I won't need to zip tabs either side.
I may go for two seperate ones (starboard and port), that way my wife can stay dry if conditions do result in a bit of water. (Anything to keep her happy LOL).
Thanks again Andrew! Appreciated mate!
Colin Molloy
(Colin 2 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)
Soon to be de "dreamweaver" ed!
BQ544
Posts: 361
Date Joined: 22/10/06
Colin, I have a single
Colin,
I have a single opening that rolls up. I find it OK rolled up.
The larger opening also helps let some air out when your drifting with a bit of wind.
Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
Cheers Darryl!
Yes; you're right, was thinking of that too - cheers for the feedback mate!
Colin Molloy
(Colin 2 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)
Soon to be de "dreamweaver" ed!
Pete D
Posts: 1681
Date Joined: 07/06/07
I've got to do mine soon
I've got to do mine soon too. Best I've seen is on Ryan T's boat.
Velcro acts as initial seal and you can adjust it (like twin zips). Velcro might wear out before two zips, but I think ya clears would be stuffed by then.
Cheers Pete
Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
Thanks Pete!
Thanks mate for taking the time to post those pics! Gives me a good clear (pardon the bad pun!) idea!
Colin Molloy
(Colin 2 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)
Soon to be de "dreamweaver" ed!
Pete D
Posts: 1681
Date Joined: 07/06/07
Easy as Dreamy. Another
Easy as Dreamy. Another big advantage of this type is if they are down (but not rolled and fastened) and you are travelling in a bit of slop; if you get an unexpected wave, it is a second to push the flap up (so the velcro contacts) to stop water intrusion.
Cheers Pete
Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
Good point Pete!
Cheers again mate! That's helped a lot!
Colin Molloy
(Colin 2 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)
Soon to be de "dreamweaver" ed!
Paul G
Posts: 5215
Date Joined: 12/12/07
HI Colin i have found the
HI Colin i have found the two zips great as with one zip ,the zip is at the bottom above the screen, and you get a lot more water coming in through the zip. With two zip both meet in the middle at the top less drips when underway or when raining . Spend the bit extra and get the good zip they make a big differance,
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synthos
Posts: 522
Date Joined: 23/06/07
Clears
I am getting my clears done up now and I went with one D large one as I think its to much of a hassle to remove the clears and I like the open air feel. For a little extra $ they have a rubber backed zipper that reduces the chance of water seeping through.
Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
Thanks Synthos
Cheers mate - appreciate your comments. Would appreciate you post a pic or two when you have it done!
Colin Molloy
(Colin 2 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)
Soon to be de "dreamweaver" ed!