Bimini top

[kehaar]

I am interested in adding a dodger to our 1979 Hunter 30. I would like to know if there are any pre-fabbed dodgers available that I can install myself to save, and what other people have paid for dodgers. Thank you.Dave & JennKehaar

 

[Ron]

Kehaar, A couple of years ago we had the same thought, we looked around and found a "canvas guy" who did the dodger , enclosed the cockpit and made us some cockpit cushions for $1650 U.S., we did have the Bimini top. We had to leave the boat with him for a couple of weeks but the wait was well worth the effort of no boat. Look around, there are alot of "canvas guys" looking for winter work.Good Luck and Fair WindsRon

 

[Mike Collier]

DIY

If your the Do It Yourself type, Sailrite offers a kit. The cost is about half depending on whether you select stainless or aluminum tubing. You can find them on the net. The Sailboatowner's chandelry has premade dodgers and biminis. Then, West Marine and Sailnet have canvas shops and offer premade biminis. Overton's offers biminis. A local "canvas guy" or sailmaker can make the modifications for aft stays, add windows, or you can DIY.I have a '79 H30 and know the measurments for a bimini should be no more than 54" high, 78" wide by 6 feet long. The latter measurement places the aft edge of the bimini over the aft rail and should not interfere with the main sheet. IMHO I would discourage attempting to connect the dodger to the bimini since the main sheet is attached to the bridge deck. I focused on a bimini because it is a necessity here.