Replace zipper with laces

[dmksails]

My dodger is pretty old and the zipper has finally given up. The rest of the dodger is still in pretty fair shape. I don't want to go thru the cost and time to redo the zippers since I will want to get a new dodger in a few years. I was thinking of inserting eyelets every 2-inches on each side of the zipper and use lacing to pull it back together. I've check the fabric and it seems to be stong enough for this.

Has anyone tried this?

[Rucksta]

I tried the "universal zipper repair kit" found on eBay for $15.00 on sail bags. Very happy with the results.

[ggray]

While lacing can be tedious, it does accommodate more variance in tension/slack.

I wouldn't hesitate to install grommets.

[Copacabana]

I just made a new mainsail cover for the boom and specifically asked for grommets, not a zipper. You don't need to put the grommets every 2 inches. Mine are about every 12 inches.

[dkroar]

There's a product called EZ lace on the Sailrite site you may be interested in. I used it on my weathercloths at the bottom to lace them to the toerail.

[a64pilot]

I would say the majority of the T-tops on Center Console boats are laced on, when I removed mine to do a Radar mount install, I used black zip ties instead of laces, I liked the zip ties as you can individually tighten them.

[TrentePieds]

Zippers can fail quite readily and cost money to repair unless you are a dab hand with an industrial sewing machine and have access to one. Lacings rarely fail and for repairs require only a bit of the appropriate cordage.

Modern is not superior to "old-fashioned" in every case.

TrentePieds

[Virginia Lee]

Yes, did exactly that. With a neat job of placing grommets and lacing, it looked very shippy.

When I made the new dodger and bimini, I went with snaps. 2 years in they are still ok but getting a little crusty. Twist type connections were used where that was feasible and looked appropriate (removable dodger windows) and that is even better.

[Dr. Sea]

While you are working on your dodger, treat it and your bimini with Starbrite Waterproofing with PTEF. The fabric remains flexible, the slight smell dissipates quickly, and the treatment is quite effective in restoring the waterproofing. I've even used it on jackets.

[Mike Banks]

If you are going to fit eyelets, first use polyurethane glue to fasten a strip of similar cloth each side of the zip fastener for extra strength and to stop the fraying at the eyelet. I would also glue a skirt on the outside of the canvass so that it rested covering the lacing, even locking it down by using stick-on Velcro, preventing normal splashes and wind-driven rainfall from entering easily..

[CDM]

Hi
Have you heard of a product called FixnZip. I have used them on several things both boating and sailing. They work a treat and can be re used. They are available retail through some marine chandlerys but also online. Hope this helps.