How to Install a Curved Zipper — 3 Techniques

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A full boat enclosure offers great protection from sea spray, cold air, and bugs and insects, but it can also make your cockpit feel a bit stuffy. Adding a U-shaped window to your enclosure will allow you to let the breeze roll in when you want it and keep the cold air out when you don't. Scroll down to watch remaining videos.
Materials List:
  • YKK® #10 Black Continuous Coil Zipper Chain – #102215
  • YKK® #10 Black Style C Single Non-Locking Metal Zipper Pull (Coil Chain) – #102216
  • Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (50 yds.) – #129
  • Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (50 yds.) – #104167
  • Sunbrella® Acrylic Bias Binding Tape Black – #124900
  • Sunbrella® Acrylic Facing Black – #102467
  • PremoBond® Tex 90 Black UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.) – #123338
  • DOT® Snap Fastener Cloth-to-Cloth Set (Stainless Steel) – 444001
  • Black Polyester Webbing – #PLLWBK
  • Phifertex® Standard Vinyl Mesh Black 54" Fabric – #388111
  • Phifertex® Standard Vinyl Mesh Navy Blue 54" Fabric – #395111
  • Fiberglass Mesh Charcoal 60" Fabric – #103122
Tools List:
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LS Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) – #311502
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) – #311602
  • Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8" – #101017
  • Scratch Awl Yellow – 235411
  • Soapstone Fabric Marking Pencil White – #102766
  • Pres-N-Snap Installation Tool – #109011
  • Sailrite® Snap Fastener Deluxe Installation Tool – #100949
  • Sailrite® Edge Hotknife Package (110V) – #103800
  • Sailrite® Rubber Poundo Board 12" x 12" – #123962
  • Sailrite® Hole Cutter 1/8" – #125478
  • Left Zipper Foot for Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ – #896
  • Left Zipper Foot for Ultrafeed® LS & Leatherwork® – #905
  • Chalk Pencil Cartridge Set – #121669
  • Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" – #102400
  • Permanent Marker

Installing a curved zipper may seem tricky, but the secret is knowing when to baste and sew each part. We'll walk you through the process step-by-step in these separate how-to videos.

How to Install a Curved Zipper Videos 2

These three videos outline three different variations of this project. Depending on your preferences, you can have just the vinyl window material roll up or you can add a screen to keep bugs out. If you opt to add a screen, you can further decide to keep the screen stationary or have it roll up as well.

Each of the three how-to videos below are complete tutorials. There are multiple ways you can add a window to your boat enclosure, so we made videos showing three separate techniques. You can watch all three tutorials and then decide which window technique is right for you. Or, if you know the type of window opening you want, you can jump right to that video and get started on your DIY.

Installing a Curved Zipper in a Vinyl Window

The most basic style of zippered window, this video demonstrates how to install a curved zipper in one layer of clear vinyl only. It will walk you through all the steps from marking where your zipper should go on the vinyl to sewing the binding and the zipper, and installing a strap to keep the window rolled up. Watch the video above.

Installing a Curved Zipper in Vinyl Window With Screen

In this video, you'll see how to install a curved zipper in a vinyl window with a permanent screen. This video details adding the curved zipper and the screen, which are sewn in at the same time.

Installing Curved Zipper With Roll-Up Screen in Vinyl Window

Allowing for maximum flexibility, this window configuration features a zippered, roll-up window and a zippered, roll-up screen. This video will walk you through the process of creating the zippered vinyl window as well as how to install the screen.

We hope you find these tutorials useful for your DIY project. If you have questions or need help with your project, don't hesitate to contact us. We're always happy to help our customers achieve DIY success! You can reach us via email, phone or using the chat function on our website.