Zipper Tips, Cleaning and TroubleshootingUpdated a month ago
The waterproof zip is a critical part of the Boogie and with proper care it will last the life of the Boogie. It is essential that you do not allow sand to get trapped into the teeth of the zipper. This will cause wear and trouble sealing and closing. Do everything you can to avoid opening and closing the zip on the beach.
Best Practice
Use Lube.
Operate the slide gently. Move the slider as in the direction of the closer with the PVC of the Boogie shell as flat as possible. Pulling at an angle will make it hard to close.
Do not pull the zipper apart forcefully at the ends.
Be careful not to fold or squeeze the zipper. Store the zipper flat.
When closing the zipper always make sure that antenna does not get stuck in the zipper teeth.
Always store the zip closed position. If the zip is stored open it will deform the rubber and cause issues closing.
Do not store the Boogie in high temperatures - hot cars, garages or sheds.
Before heading out, visually check the seal to ensure all teeth are engaged in the the zip, that there are no gaps, or misalignments. A gap in the seal, even if it holds air, will be the ignition point for a zipper failure. If the zip opens in the ocean it will casue damage to the electronics inside the Boogie.
When the zip is open, periodically check for any nicks or tears in the zips rubber.
Sand Prevention
- Install the clean battery into the Boogie in the carpark and use the trolley to put the Boogie in and out of the water.
- Rinse the Boogie off with fresh water before opening the zip.
- Use a clean towel to dry the Boogie before opening the zip.
- Do not store the tow rope inside the Boogie.
Lubrication
- Use lots of silicone grease on the zip. Apply when the zip is closed on the external rubber surfaces, as well a little on the teeth.
- Aus/Nz link for a suitable grease supercheap.
- Aliexpress link - any type of silicone grease will work. Buy lots and use every second session.
- Make sure it is 100% silicone grease and clear so that it does not stain the Boogie.
Cleaning the zipper.
Use an compressed air to blow out any sand or grit from the zip teeth.
Inspect each tooth and for sand or grit particles that could be stuck.
Use a toothbrush and a mild detergent to further clean the teeth.
Closing a difficult to close zipper that has been left open, or has been deformed due to sand and grit.
If the zipper has had sand in the teeth, this may have caused the teeth of the zipper to deform. After removing the the sand and grit, lubricate the zipper very well and take your time to close it. Putting something flat inside (a plastic chopping block for example) the Boogie to press the zipper against can help with this.
Once the zipper is cleaned and closed, subsequent closures will be easier once the teeth reform correctly.
Still difficult to close?
You can use a pair of pliers to carefully squeeze the bottom of the metal zipper slider. A pair of pliers like these is required. Normal pliers will not work.
Still difficult to close?
Contact support for advice. Do not use the Boogie with a zip that does not close or has gaps in the seal.