Kru lifejacket zip

[IanL]

I have a Kru Sport Pro lifejacket about two years old. This the type with a short central zip to keep it closed. The bottom retainer box on the zip has been damaged and so it is no longer completely secure. Ocean Safety advise me that they cannot replace the zip and will not give me any details.

Can anyone advise me which model of YKK zip this is. Approximately 140mm long and overall width of fabric 65mm. It is only fitted with a single line of stitching down each side so an easy job for a sailmaker I imagine.

 

[prv]

Try this: https://www.sailrite.com/Choosing-a-Replacement-Zipper-Slider

Lots of YKK zips available on eBay, though short lengths in large sizes (as needed for a Kru jacket) seem to be less common.

Pete

 

[William_H]

I don't know the specific LJ but Kru saver if I remember correctly use a zip which pops apart on inflation. So not your ordinary zip. One suggestion might be to fit a little velcro tab to hold it together in the critical spot. However do check that it can be inflated by using compressed air on the oral inflation tube to ensure it will pop open. Indeed lJs should be tested annually by inflating to check for leaks etc. It should stay inflated for 24 hrs. Check for condition of components and reassemble. Auto inflating LJs may also require replacement of sensor. See instructions on the web site. ol'will

 

[duncan99210]

Ol’will, the Kru jacket does have the “pop apart” zip to retain the bladder but the OP is referring to the short zip on the front of the jacket which closes it after you’ve put it on.
The zip is a heavy duty YKK zip, as others have said easy enough to source off eBay or elsewhere. Should be a relatively easy job to remove the old one and fit a new one, should be able to do the job with a reasonably robust domestic machine or get a sailmaker to fit it. Replace both sides of the zip, trying to ensure that you’ve matched the original half isn’t worth the hassle.

 

[IanL]

I have now obtained a replacement zip from A&N Trimmings Ltd. The details are YKK Vislon Size 10, one way open end, standard colour black (580), length 14cms, standard slider. It has taken a while and although not exactly cheap, probably less than Ocean Safety would have charged to inspect and condemn the lifejacket.

I can only hope that the damage will not be repeated but the metal clip of my safety line inevitably comes into contact with the zip.