Sailing with a Dodger

Stu Jackson · Feb 23, 2009

jibes138;602999suddenly I could see where I was going said:
The real issue is that too many dodger manufacturers and skippers like tall dodgers because they figure they don't have to duck under them to go below. I personally think that's counterproductive.

In our review of the new C375 last year, I noted both the extensive navigational display and the extremely high dodger. Not outside anymore, are we Dorothy?

The newer Catalinas (C350 and C375) are designed down below for taller people, who like it. I understand. But at what expense with HIGH dodgers?

Higher dodgers need to consider boom clearance wen using the vang. Most, frankly, don't.

Our PO was very short, and had a short dodger built. We very deliberately kept the frame when we redid the canvas.

We can see over the dodger and don't feel like we're seeing through plastic all day long when we want to be "outdoors."

See reply #7 here: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3329.0.html

Roger Long · Feb 23, 2009

I took my dodger off before I even sailed the boat. I've never felt like I needed it enough to be even tempted to put it back on. The E 32 is the driest boat I've ever sailed so I might feel differently in some other craft.

Rick · Feb 23, 2009

Stu... very interesting reply. I went to the link and read. Could you please expand on the hieght of the dodger. I just got a quote in San Diego. I was looking for the twist out side windows, side handholds, zip out/roll front window. Big concern is the height. Im 6'2 so we took our first guess with the boom vanged down. It would be just above my standing eye height. I like the sound of being able to see over it. Cant get a good perspective of yours in the pic.

Cheers

sailaway78 · Feb 23, 2009

Fold it down

I almost never put the dodger up. For most of the same reasons stated. I'm tall, and even for me seeing over the top of it is impossible. I enjoy the air as well as the visibility, and I don't mind a little spray once in a while. Of course when it's cold, I have no qualms about putting it up. No one enjoys being wet and cold.

Mike B · Feb 23, 2009

I wouldn't be without one. They offer too much protection on those cold rainy days. With a connector panel between the dodger and bimini it also keeps the cockpit comfy in all but a driving rain while at the dock or at anchor. The dodger on our last boat was built by a fellow a few inches taller than I am and consequently he built it to his standards. If I was standing behind the wheel had to either duck down to see through the forward panel or stand on something to see over the top. Not the best of situations but just the same managable. Our new boat's dodger is taller and now I see forward just fine. If you're having one built definately work with the people to get the height set for you, not them. Additionaly spend the extra money and get one with zip out front and side panels. The difference on a hot day is amazing and makes the extra dollars spent well worth while.

paulj · Feb 23, 2009

This is how I sail with a dodger.

paulj :troll:

Bob S · Feb 23, 2009

Can't you unsnap and roll up the whole forward section. That's what I do on nice days. No plastic windows to look through.

Banooma · Feb 23, 2009

I've got no complaints - only praise for mine. Last season was my first with a dodger or bimini, and I definitely enjoy the benefits of both. When it's cool early or late in the season, the dodger can make the cockpit feel 15 degrees warmer than a cold headwind. In the summer, I can roll up the center panel and take off the sides and it feels like it's 15 degrees cooler than sitting in direct sunlight. I don't feel the dodger compromises my view nearly as much as the genoa, or the pedestal-mounted radar display does when seated. Besides, when rotted old plastic windows inhibit your visibility, isn't it time to replace them?

Bad Obsession · Feb 23, 2009

I love my dodger. I can stand up and see over it and on nice days I roll up the front window. It is priceless on rainy days because you can keep the companionway open.

Stu is right about the height of the dodger. You should be able to see over it when you are standing up. I have a connector that has a clear panel in it too so I can see through it when it rains.

I would love to have a hard dodger with plexiglass windows and a removable middle section so that a breeze will go through. Plexiglass would be nice because it would stay clear longer.

Mike B · Feb 23, 2009

BO, you don't need a hard dodger, just a California style one with some of the new type of windows. The front panel either roles up or zips out. The side panels just zip out, and what a difference it makes on a hot summer day. The new materials they use on the windows improves the visibility by quite a bit, especially in rainy weather.
Mike

Don S/V ILLusion · Feb 23, 2009

Isn't this just another matter of personal preference?
I've had boats both with and without a dodger and have my own preference which isn't going to change anyone else's mind.

More directly, if you have a problem seeing out/past your dodger, could it be there is something wrong with it's design?

Steve Dion · Feb 23, 2009

I would never be without one either.

With the proper design and quality glass/plastic the viewing issues are not a problem. Our Hunter Vision 36 was configured with Lexan windows. The down side is that the windows must be stored flat and protected. We place ours under the v-berth with terry towels to seperate them. All of our panels unzip. When we connect the dodger & bimini and the windows are removed it is like a giant bimini.

The lexan does not warp/wrinkle like taditional vinyl. I think that there are some other products that are comparable to Lexan, but they require special care when cleaning.

seadaddler · Feb 23, 2009

To Each His Her Own

I love a breeze on me on the boat or in my Convertible but some one else dear to me does not agree with me putting the top down with the sun and wind on her.
Same thing on the boat she wants protection from the sun and wind as you can see.
The center window rolls up and the side windows zip out and connector is also removable,it all comes in handy when the weather gets bad,I even have clear side curtains so she nice and warm and dry if things really get wet,if I keep her happy she comes out sailing when ever I ask.
Once I did not put the dodger on the first sail in april and was really sunny and great with out it until the weather change and wow did she yell at me like I have never heard her before,I could hardly see as the spray was soaking us in the cockpit.
Now that we are down in Florida I may try folding it down if not warm and real sunny out like yesterday would have been good but she was liking the dodger for sure.

Tim R. · Feb 23, 2009

Mine stays in the "garage"(quarterberth) until absolutely needed. Dodgers are terrible if you are racing so we keep it off but always handy. The last 2 season we have only put it up towards the end of our 2 week september cruise.

Bimini is another story. Even in Maine our summer sun can be quite brutal. Normally stays stowed but will be unrolled for hot sunny days.

Stu Jackson · Feb 23, 2009

Rick said:
Stu... very interesting reply. Could you please expand on the hieght of the dodger. Big concern is the height. Im 6'2 so we took our first guess with the boom vanged down. It would be just above my standing eye height. I like the sound of being able to see over it. Cant get a good perspective of yours in the pic.

Rick, I'm 5'-9". When I stand behind the dodger I can put my arms on it crossing my arms in front of me with a little bit of stretch. So figure your shoulder height to under arms or around there, at least for me.

sailingdog · Feb 23, 2009

I like having a dodger, since the waters in the earlier and later parts of the season can be brutally cold. Having a dodger allows me to extend my sailing season a bit. Also, in the normal conditions we go out in, the wind is pretty ferocious, and having a dodger makes the cockpit much more comfortable.

Bad Obsession · Feb 23, 2009

I would like a hard dodger with plexiglass windows so it is easier to clean and less a chance of the windows fogging up. The middle part would either slide or come off so that I could get breeze through the dodger. The reason that I would like this is that it would be less affected by the sun. It would last longer and I never sail without the dodger.

higgs · Feb 23, 2009

A dodger makes going to windward in large seas a lot more comfortable.

In my opinion a well made and maintained dodger will give you glass like visibility, protection from the weather both at sea and at anchor/dock, a frame that you can hang on, and a removable front (California style) for nice weather.

In hot weather, it allows you to leave the cabin open when it is raining, something that is vital when sleeping.

Steve_Catalina · Feb 23, 2009

Dodger preferences

Dave,

Dodgers on boats is almost as personal as our boats themselves.

On my Catalina 34 (1988) my dodger that came with the boat is 62.5" off the deck. This allows myself 6'4" and my wife 5'7" to see over. According to a sketch I have that originated from Catalina they used this dimension thu at least 1993.

Being 6'4" I tend to duck going up and down many types of stairs. I never gave the dodger a thought until I started reading the different blogs on this subject.

We sure like the dodger all the time. In April and late November it helpd with the wind , if its raining if helps keep out rain when on the bay and with 3-4 foot swells/chop the cockpit stays dry.

Again its real personal.:dance:

Steve M.

Sailing with a Dodger

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