Advice on doger height? I am having a new

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Chip Willis

dodger made (It is now in process) but I think I could still make changes if I need to. I am 5'11" and my wife is a few inches shorter. We both can look over the old dodger with a couple of inches to spare. We like to look over rather than through the dodger. I just ordered a new one made, we are keeping the same frame. Now I am having second thoughts about the height. We live and Crouse in San Diego. Can we be happy with this height? I have noticed I get spray in the face and some wind over the dodger. I still seem to like to see over it though. We have only had the boat for a few months. Am I going to regret not getting a higher or oversize dodger? Is the San Diego climate warm enough for this not to be an issue? Thanks -CW
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,075
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Same Frame decision - for us, too

Chip I agree with your "looking over" rather than through. Our dodger is lower than most, and we have learned to do the appropriate "duck" when coming up the companionway. We just ordered a new dodger, too, and are going with exactly the same frame. I wouldn't change it at all. Bigger is not necessarily better. So, you get a little spray, it's San Diego for goodness sake, doesn't the water ever get warm there? Just kidding. If you like what you have, stick with it. If it gets higher, you may not like how it affects the look of your boat when you row away in the dinghy and look fondly back back. It could turn into just another big bump instead of something that works and flows with the lines of the boat. Some wind over the dodger on hot days is also very nice. We're getting a zippered middle front window panel. Stu
 
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Chip Willis

We are getting a zippered window also and

I had two handles put on the top of the dodger. We are alos getting some hand holds on the sides and one on the top middle. I think we made the right decision but I am without referance on the dodger because I have never had one on another boat or sailed with one before. CW
 
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Wendell

Sailing without a dodger

This season we opted to remove the dodger and love the freedom. freedom to work the fore deck, trim the main and not bang our heads. the visibility is great. better foulies are cheaper than a dodger. wc
 
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