My 88 tiller steered boat has neither of the above but am considering one or the other for this season. What are the issues for a 27 regarding access, visibility, blocking of activities (winches, deck,etc.)? Boat has cabin top traveler and control lines, diesel inboard. Photos I have seen don't really tell the story.
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Go Dodger first!
I don't know the fit on your boat (I have a 30) but if you are sailing on the ocean I would suggest the dodger first. I know a dodger can be done. A guy at my boatyard has a 27 with a dodger and a mid boom set up. The dodger looks a little steep in front but it works. I have never sailed my boat with out one they are great!
I don't know the fit on your boat (I have a 30) but if you are sailing on the ocean I would suggest the dodger first. I know a dodger can be done. A guy at my boatyard has a 27 with a dodger and a mid boom set up. The dodger looks a little steep in front but it works. I have never sailed my boat with out one they are great!
Agree dodger's are great!
I have a dodger on my 30. After sailing for years without one I'm sold! I have had a bimini before. It's great but the dodger keeps you warm and dry. Gotta love it!
I have a dodger on my 30. After sailing for years without one I'm sold! I have had a bimini before. It's great but the dodger keeps you warm and dry. Gotta love it!
Dodger
They're really great. I'd look into having one professionally made, cuz it can be done. Might cost a pretty penny but that's to be expected with the amount of labor put into one. Have fun! LaDonna
They're really great. I'd look into having one professionally made, cuz it can be done. Might cost a pretty penny but that's to be expected with the amount of labor put into one. Have fun! LaDonna
Depends on where you sail
I don't know LI Sound well enough to understand the kind of weather you sail in. But here in Puget Sound a dodger is necessary. the wind gets really cold and the dodger is the *first* option for most sailboats. But, down in the Caribbean or Bahamas you'd die with a dodger (you need the breeze) and bimini is the *first* option on most boats. the key to getting a dodger right is the height above the deck. it's a delicate blance tomake sure it (1) isn't so tall it looks like a high-rise bldg and ruins the lines of the boat, (2) isshort enough to see over (forget seing through it - you'll want to look over the top of it). Have it measured while you (or the most common helmsperson) stand at the helm. I didn't have a bimini so I wanted the dodger to come back into the cockpit far enough to shelter a person on each side of the cockpit. I've always opted for more clear plastic and less Sunbrella, so there's always plenty of light. But the degrades a lot faster thanthe Sunbrella so that's the more expensive route, over the long haul. Also, be sure the winch handle have plenty of clearance. A good canvas shop should be able to asses all these things and mke a good dodger for you. If you want to save some bucks, our store on this web site has biminis and dodgers you can order and install yourself.
I don't know LI Sound well enough to understand the kind of weather you sail in. But here in Puget Sound a dodger is necessary. the wind gets really cold and the dodger is the *first* option for most sailboats. But, down in the Caribbean or Bahamas you'd die with a dodger (you need the breeze) and bimini is the *first* option on most boats. the key to getting a dodger right is the height above the deck. it's a delicate blance tomake sure it (1) isn't so tall it looks like a high-rise bldg and ruins the lines of the boat, (2) isshort enough to see over (forget seing through it - you'll want to look over the top of it). Have it measured while you (or the most common helmsperson) stand at the helm. I didn't have a bimini so I wanted the dodger to come back into the cockpit far enough to shelter a person on each side of the cockpit. I've always opted for more clear plastic and less Sunbrella, so there's always plenty of light. But the degrades a lot faster thanthe Sunbrella so that's the more expensive route, over the long haul. Also, be sure the winch handle have plenty of clearance. A good canvas shop should be able to asses all these things and mke a good dodger for you. If you want to save some bucks, our store on this web site has biminis and dodgers you can order and install yourself.
Dodger with Roll-up Windshield
Here in our area it gets very hot in the summer so most of the newer dodger designs feature a roll-up section in the center of the "windshield" so you can let the breeze through when you want. As long as you have full-sitting headroom, resist the temptation to go higher. A low profile looks better. Many people only think dodgers are for when you're sailing, but they're great at anchor and make the cockpit much more livable in those chilly breezes.
Here in our area it gets very hot in the summer so most of the newer dodger designs feature a roll-up section in the center of the "windshield" so you can let the breeze through when you want. As long as you have full-sitting headroom, resist the temptation to go higher. A low profile looks better. Many people only think dodgers are for when you're sailing, but they're great at anchor and make the cockpit much more livable in those chilly breezes.
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