Marine Zippers Giving you Trouble?
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Highlights on Marine Zippers:

  • Manufacturers & Warranties
  • Zipper Sizes
  • Zipper Terminology
  • Repair Issues and Tips
  • Order Marine Zippers here!


Ask a question? Need an answer? Find it here!

Manufacturers & Warranties

In the U.S. there are three big zipper brands that are used on boat cover applications. In order of popularity:

YKK- UV resistant zippers (most common), but have no warranty.

Lenzip - UV resistant zippers that are the only zippers offering a lifetime warranty. They are also YKK compatible.

Riri - UV resistant zippers with a five-year warranty. Riri zipper is not YKK compatible. Riri marine zippers are no longer available in the U.S.  We do still have a few sliders left in stock.

Marine zippers have been a source of frustration to boat owners for a long time. They begin to break down after continued exposure to the sun's UV rays becoming chalky and brittle. They eventually lose their teeth, or the teeth begin pulling apart. Another big complaint is the zipper sliders break or fall off.

Are there different sizes? Yes there are, and it's important to know which size you have and which size you need to request when you are having custom boat covers built for you.

The most common sizes of marine zippers used in the industry are #5, #8, and #10.

In my shop we use YKK #10 and Lenzip #10.   Lenzip now carries a #12 separating zipper that will be very useful for those who want to go the extra mile in heavy duty zippers.

I keep #8 YKK Marine zippers for replacements on factory manufactured boat canvas. This is because many boat canvas manufacturers use them. If I had a choice, I would never use a #8 marine zipper.  My thinking is why go smaller when bigger is available. 

I hope this information will help you in choosing your zipper. Boat zippers are an essential part of extending the life of your canvas, so it's always a good idea to know your options. 

do I Have #8 or #10 Marine zippers?

Have a look at the video below and learn how to identify your zipper size by the zipper pull.  You will also need to know the size for zipper pull replacement when the time comes.  

Marine Zipper Terminology

Here is a picture of a separating marine zipper with proper terminology starting with #2

Separating means that the zipper unzips and the two sides completely separate from one another

Separating Marine Zipper

2. The #10 Separating Marine Zipper
3. Insert Pin
4. Retaining Box
5. Box Pin
6. Teeth Elements
7. Zipper Tape
8. Zipper Slider Unit

       Tips and Tricks for Pesky Boat Zipper Repair Problems

Tip: Determine your marine zipper size (see Actual Size Zipper above), and keep a dozen extra metal zipper sliders and stainless steel crimp-on zipper stops on your boat for repairs. Salt water boaters should replace their pulls once a year. Stainless steel zipper pulls are available and worth the price. You can keep them for life and use them on future boat zippers as well. Another nice add-on boat zipper option is a lanyard zipper pull. This cord attachment adds additional length and makes the zipper easier to grab and pull.

Most Common Failures With

Marine Zippers and Zipper Slider Repairs

. . . And What to do About Them!

If the retaining box breaks off:

  • Sorry, there is no quick fix. Replace the zipper.

    • If the teeth on each half of the zipper become separated and will no longer hold together:

  • Check your zipper teeth for extreme degradation.
  • If you have plastic zipper sliders, try replacing them with metal zipper sliders. Vislon plastic zipper sliders tend to weaken. Once that begins, they won't push the teeth together.
  • Preventive maintenance helps protect your zipper teeth. Iosso makes a product called E-Z Snap Lubricant designed for use on snaps and boat zippers. Keep in mind, if there is substantial degradation on your zipper teeth, it does make the degraded teeth slippery. This can facilitate the failure of the locking bond between the two sides of the zipper teeth. This is especially so in a load bearing situation such as in zippers for bimini tops. So if you use E-Z Snap Lubricant, it is best to use it from the beginning to slow down the deterioration instead of after substantial deterioration has begun. 
  • Try wax based products such as Bees Knees for older zippers. This is also great for new zippers. 
  • Run your thumb across the zipper teeth. Are the teeth falling off after applying a pressure touch? Is your thumb covered with what looks like white or black chalk? A little chalkiness is normal, but a lot is a sign that the zippers are kaput and need to be replaced.

    • If the zipper slider unit is stuck:

  • If salt corrosion and age have caused your sipper slider to stick, try spraying your zipper slider with plenty of WD-40 and using a hair dryer on it for 5-15 minutes until the slider works loose.
  • Your next option would be to try prying open the zipper pull very carefully so as not to break the teeth. This takes time and patience! Using a wide flat head screw driver, tap it between the edge of the pull from the side and force the pull open enough to free the teeth. It's possible that the teeth will still break, but sometimes this method works. 
  • If these methods don't free the teeth or if you break a tooth while removing the pull, then you can always use our EZ-Xtend Boat Zippers for a quick and easy repair or you can replace the entire zipper.
  • You can also try white vinegar to dissolve the corrosion and then replace the slider.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         


    • Here is our EZ-Xtend Boat Zipper!

    You will find EZ Zips very helpful for shrinking boat canvas since they work as an extender zipper. They also make a great temporary solution for failing zippers until permanent repairs can be made. Make EZ-Xtend Boat Zippers a part of your essential boat gear.  

    EZ-Xtend Boat Zipper
    Buy Now


    If you have marine zipper strain caused by material shrinkage:

  • As your boat canvas ages, it begins to shrink. The more strain on your zippers, the more likely the teeth will pop open. This is the perfect time to try EZ-Xtend Boat Zippers as a spacer zipper to relieve the pressure. If possible, use EZ-Xtend Boat Zippers to relieve the pressure before zipper failure. They can be used vertically and horizontally as spacers between existing zippers. Installing EZ-Xtend Boat Zippers will help extend the life of your boat canvas and boat enclosures.

    • If zipper stop fails and slider falls off the bottom of your zipper:

  • Canvas shops use many different methods to stop sliders from falling off the bottom of a zipper, and some of them are not so great. Since you may have reason to replace a zipper pull anyway, you will want to keep a supply of stainless steel crimp-on zipper stops on board. The #10 zipper stops will work on #8 zippers as well. Keep a few handy for repairs.
    • Zipper StopZipper Stop
    Zipper Stop in PlaceZipper Stop in Place

    Time to Order Your Marine Zipper Supplies!


    Get Inspired

    Just like Thomas from Lake Winnebago. 

    Thomas purchased a zipper from us and created this awesome sailboat cover to keep his boat protected and ready to sail.  Thanks for the photo Thomas!

    Order Your Lenzip Separating Vislon Marine Zippers Here!

    Separating Vislon Zipper

    Please Read before ordering zippers:

    The marine zippers we sell are the same zippers we use in our shop and are shown on this page.

    These heavy duty zippers for boat covers are made for an outdoor environment. 

    • The zipper slider that comes with our zippers is metal and has double locking pulls which just means that they won't open by themselves.
    • We aren't big fans of plastic sliders, but we understand that not every boater feels this way.  If you would prefer a plastic slider, we are happy to send you one with your zipper order to swap out the metal slider that comes with it. The bonus is you have an extra metal slider on hand.  You will find a text box below when placing your order to indicate your preference. 
    • #8 zippers are only available with metal sliders.
    • #8 zippers not available in 240" lengths.
    • A stainless steel zipper stop is sent with the purchase of every zipper.
    • In our shop, we carry common zipper sizes to cover every boaters needs. 
    • Tip: Order zippers a size longer than the actual length you will need. They are easy to cut down. 
    • Don't forget! Know what size zippers you have before ordering. You can determine that information by clicking up to the Actual Size Zipper area. If you are unsure, request a sample from our contact us page.

    Order Your Riri Sliders Here!

    WE STILL HAVE SLIDERS AVAILABLE

    Riri Zipper

    Please Read before ordering Riri zipper sliders:

    • If you have a Riri Zipper, it will be a size #8
    • Riri #10 zippers are not available in the U.S.
    • Riri Zippers are not YKK compatible.
    Buy Now

    Order Your Zipper Sliders Here!

    Zipper Sliders

    Please Read before ordering zipper sliders:

    • Zippers sliders should be kept handy on boats because the metal corrodes and the plastic sliders weaken with age, break, or get lost. In a salt water environment, the metal sliders should be swapped out yearly. 
    • The #10 sliders are available in stainless steel, metal, or plastic with locking double pulls. 
    • Sliders for #8 zippers are not available in plastic.
    • All metal and plastic sliders are sold in multiples of five.
    • Stainless Steel sliders are available in pairs.
    • If you have a slider with 10c stamped on it, you will need coil sliders.
    • 240" only available in #10 size.
    • Order stainless steel crimp on zipper stops separately. 

    Order Your Zipper Tabs Here!

    Zipper Tabs

         Available colors:

    • Black neobraid w/black tab
    • White neobraid w/black tab
    • Charcoal neobraid w/black tab

    Order Your Stainless Steel Zipper Stops Here!

    Zipper StopsZipper Stops
    Zipper Stop In PlaceZipper Stop In Place
    • Stainless steel zipper stops were designed for #10 zippers, but will work for #8 zippers too.
    • They crimp on the last tooth of the slider side of the zipper as seen in photo above.
    • Zipper stops are sold in multiples of ten - $2.00

    Do You Have a Question You Would Like to Ask About EZ-Xtend Boat Zippers or Marine Zippers?

    We'd like to help you find a solution! You just might be able to help someone else trying to solve the same problem. Please include your email address, we may choose to contact you directly with an answer to your question.

    What Questions Have Other Visitors Asked?

    Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

    Do you sell the type of half zipper pictured.  
    We need a replacement of this. 75.5 in length... Hi Shelly, What you have here are zippers sewn to keder welt. In order to replace those zippers, …

    How can I stop the zippers from opening I the wind while underway? 
    Zippers on Bimini top opening in the wind while underway Hi Mark, Yes, there is a way to stop your marine zipper from working itself open while underway …

    Any chance your EZ-Xtend boat zippers work with soft top jeep windows? 
    sometimes my jeep windows are really difficult to zip closed b/c it's just a really tight fit. I have to pull hard to get the 2 sides close enough together …

    are lenzip zippers glue or iron on? 
    i need to replace all my zippers on my boat canvis

    What can I use to stop water from coming thru my zippers in a driving rain? 
    Leaking zippers

    Do you recommend locking or non locking zipper pulls for enclosure vertical zippers (zip from top to bottom), #10 YKK with double pulls? 
    I am just starting to sew an enclosure for our sailboat and need to buy zippers and want to figure out whether locking or non locking would be better.

    what size is good for isinglass radius corners, #10 pucker to much ...please advise 
    radius corners pucker when using the larger #10 or #8 zippers. Im considering using number #5's for the isinglass windows

    grady white zipper replacement 
    I have grady white 282 sailfish. I have #8 replacement zippers which appear to be exact size as broken one. However, removed the zipper stop and took off …

    REPLACING BINDING 
    Hi, I have some older Sunbrella window covers on my boat and they have this horrible white plastic binding that is all cracked. I used a seam picker …

    How to replace zippers on larger enclosure 
    I need to replace zippers and I ran into a problem. I tried replacing one side of the enclosure while keeping the zipper complete (both sides of zipper …

    how do you replace the slidder box on the zipper 
    I have a 1985 sea swirl topaz cuddy. The zipper slides corroded and broke off for the rear and port side panel. should I buy your ez xtend zipper . I …

    West Marine zipper seizing 
    I am in the process of returning or replacing a 5 year old marine jacket because the zippers have frozen up. I am a recreational sailor and have occasionally …

    Double Zipper - Which of your products would be appropriate to replace a double zipper on an Isinglass smiley face. Either #10 or #8 will work. Length around the smiley face is 103". Color = black.  
    Which of your products would be appropriate to replace a double zipper on an Isinglass smiley face. Either #10 or #8 will work. Length around the smiley …

    Purchase from a non-us esident travelling to US in end of may. 
    Hi, I do not live in US but ill be travelling for memorial day to FL, how can i buy a Marine zipper from you? could I use a non US credit card? thanks …

    Zippers 
    In the salt water environment, do you recommend Plastic or Metal Self locking YKK #10 Pulls? Tricky question. Metal is stronger and I prefer them, …

    what kind of machine is best for sewing marine zippers? 
    I need a heavy duty machine and don't know what to buy. Hi Roxane, Good question. I think that depends somewhat on your budget and your space for …

    zipper slider size requested 
    just bought yatch, zipper stops missing on 2 zippers, now i lost 1 slider, didn't know stops were missing. My question is what size zipper slider do I …

    can you replace a #8 plastic zipper on a sail cover with stainless zipper and pull? 
    We have a sail cover with a degrading plastic #8 zipper. I would like to replace it with a #10 stainless zipper as the boat spends a lot of time in salt …

    Are your zippers YKK or Lenzip? 
    I need to replace the full canvas and Biminis on my Sea Ray EC390 and would like to know if the zippers you sale are the YKK or the Lenzip ones? Did I …

    WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PIECE THAT GOES ON YOUR HARD TOP THAT HALF A THE ZIPPER IS ATTACHED TO 
    trying to build a sun shade. need to attach one part of zipper to the hard top the other end on to the sunbrella fabric. Not sure what you call the piece …

    there are two 48" zippers on the boat cover...you offer 36", then jumps to 60"..can you'all cut them to size?? 
    replacing zippers on a boat cover need four total, two - 94", two 48" see that I can order the 94", but how to get the 48" ones?? Hi Tracy, Marine …

    I HAVE DIFFERENT SIZES YOU DONT LIST 
    52" I NEED 2 AND A 26" I NEED 2 AND 42" I NEED 2. CAN YOU HELP. All zippers can be cut to size. You can order the closest sizes. It's very easy, …

    I have a Sun Tracker bimini boot and the damaged zipper is 48" long. Can I cut a 60" size #8 zipper down to 48" or do you sell 48" zippers ? 
    I have a Sun Tracker bimini boot and the damaged zipper is 48" long. Can I cut a 60" size #8 zipper down to 48" or do you sell 48" zippers ? Hi Ron, …

    How can I sew a zipper? 
    Do I need a special sewing machine and a special sewing thread? Hi Rudy, Let's first talk about the sewing machine. If you already have a sewing machine, …

    Click here to write your own.

    Bimini Zipper Problems 
    The zippers on my bimini top (2000 Regal Commodore 2460)are shot - corroded. The slides are jammed and now broken. I tried to free-up using white vinegar …

    Zipper Stop Removal 
    I want to replace my YKK #10 aluminum sliders with stainless steel sliders. Is there a tool or a trick that will remove the stop from the zipper without …

    Retainer box 
    I have a 2004 jeep wrangler and need a replacement retainer box for a #10 zipper. Any idea on where to purchase the retainer box? Justin, Retainer …

    Zipper for a Bimini top, black, 24 inches 
    I need a zipper that has two sliders that will separate to allow a cable through then close around the cable and not slip, # 10 marine grade. Thanks …

    zipper is in perfect condition the retainer box came off can this be replaced 
    retainer box came off the zipper is in perfect shape except the retainer box can this be replaced. How do this stay on in the first place. thanks Hi …

    What is best way to lubricate a plastic zipper?  
    To lubricate a plastic zipper on a boat canvas. Hi Richard, That answer we have found to be a little tricky. I think it really depends on how old …

    Marine grade zipper 
    Hello, My name is Debora and I am making a sail cover and need to order a #10 seperating zipper but, I need the pull to be stainless steal and I need it …

    If the retaining box breaks can it be replaced? 
    The retaining box fell off the zipper and i was wondering if just the box could be replaced? Hi Don, No, the retaining box cannot be replaced and is …

    Where are you located in South Florida? 
    Zipper replacement help. Hi Kevin, I am in Buford GA. There is a nifty fabricator locator online that can be found here. http://marinecanvas.com/ …

    Zipper for my Stack Pack 
    I am looking for 195 inch very strong zipper for the stack Pack on my sailboat and that protects the main sail once doused. I have replaced it twice already …

    Can you supply zippers to an address in the United Kingdom? 
    Replacement zips on yacht awnings. Hi Steve, It shouldn't be a problem to send zippers to the UK. How many are you looking for? The easiest way would …

    do you supply open ended zippers in excess of 12 mtr 
    i am making a roller genoa sock for which i need the zip.size 8 shold do Possibly, most genoa socks have ropes coming out of the sock at some point …

    Do you have 36" white Riri #8 zippers ? 
    Building an enclosure for a boat using pieces build previously with Riri zippers. I thought this would be an easy request, but my normal supplier is …

    Hi, Need 2 very long, havy duty zippers, 28 feet long, 
    Hi, Need 2 very long, havy duty zippers, 28 feet long, with stainless slider, for my jib sail and cover for it. Could you help me with that? Please …

    Are these sliders compatable with riri? #10 marine 
    Replacement slider for riri. No, riri are different than any other slider. I do have a few of those in white. You can order the ykk sliders if you …

    do i need to buy stop for zipper io orderd? 
    just want to know if zipper stop comes with zipper HI Jeff, No, but I can send one at your request! Only one is needed per zipper.

    Lenzip zippers 
    Hello I have a marine canvass that has lenzip zippers. I have tried YKK 10 from local supplier and they did not pull the zipper tight. Based …

    looking for a one sided #10 marine zipper for a underwater utility bag 
    This is a bag, so one sided zipper is what is required. The existing zipper has lasted several years with occasional lubrication. Hi Jeff, I am not …

    Click here to write your own.

    YKK is a trademark of YKK
    Lenzip is a trademark of Lenzip Corp
    RiRi is a trademark of RiRi
    EZ-Snap is a trademark of Isosso

    Be Sure to Check Out All of Our EZ-Xtend Boat Zipper Products!!

    EZ-Xtend Boat Zippers
    EZ-Xtend Boat Track
    EZ-Xtend Drip Shields

    Please come visit me at Cover Girl Marine Canvas & Upholstery to see some of our awesome work!