We are in the process of acquiring a H44ac, and it does not have a dodger/full cockpit enclosure, it just has the bimini encompassing the arch. Does anyone know where I can get a dodger/enclosure for this boat? preferably a reasonably priced one....new or used doesn't matter.......
dodger/cockpit enclosure for H44ac
- Thread starter Dad21fjggh
- Start date
Generally there is no reasonably price for what you want. A used one is that and unless in pristine condition, not worth customizing the boat (snaps, moving handholds, latches, pipe stands, etc) for what may be an ill fitting or problematic comfort. And canvas/clear that may only last another year or two. I really try not to put more holes in the boat than are needed.
I have found that a good enclosure is one of the necessities on my boat. It allows more living space when the weather is iffy, protects me from weather while sailing and more.
Your best bet is to ask around your marina, or a boat owner who has an enclosure that you like the looks of - who did theirs and would they use them again. Be careful, as some enclosures ruin the looks and function of the boat, yet others look like the boat was designed for that enclosure.
A good one will cost some $$, so be sure to ask the maker how best to care for both the fabric and the clear. Some last longer rolled and most clears require a specific cleaner or liners to keep them in great shape. Just a few years back the connector ( 3' of bordered clear, between the dodger and the bimini) for my 42 was over $500 but it was so well done, it zipped in place where the old one was, like it came with the boat.
I have found that a good enclosure is one of the necessities on my boat. It allows more living space when the weather is iffy, protects me from weather while sailing and more.
Your best bet is to ask around your marina, or a boat owner who has an enclosure that you like the looks of - who did theirs and would they use them again. Be careful, as some enclosures ruin the looks and function of the boat, yet others look like the boat was designed for that enclosure.
A good one will cost some $$, so be sure to ask the maker how best to care for both the fabric and the clear. Some last longer rolled and most clears require a specific cleaner or liners to keep them in great shape. Just a few years back the connector ( 3' of bordered clear, between the dodger and the bimini) for my 42 was over $500 but it was so well done, it zipped in place where the old one was, like it came with the boat.
check/ask around in your area. Get you boat neighbor opinions. Good advice to talk with the people whose dodgers and enclosures you really like. Try to get on their boat and see how they really work. Check winches, hatches, ports, sailing gear and rig. how is the headroom?
You really want someone who is pretty local. This is the ultimate custom canvas project and will require (multiple) trips to the boat to do it right. If someone tells you otherwise, be skeptical of their expertise. My canvas maker brings a trailer w/ sewing machine and seamstress to the boat for the final fitting.
A good canvas maker will also be able to make good suggestions about how things should be done to work best. There is a lot of variation. Some are a work of art. Others not quite so.....
In any event good design and workmanship contribute to longevity. For what these cost, you definitely want them made to last.
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Go local
In my opinion do not purchase anything that is to be custom made. Only go local where they can make sure and measure as required. I've done it the other way with very bad results and lots of finger pointing. In. The end I was the loser.
In my opinion do not purchase anything that is to be custom made. Only go local where they can make sure and measure as required. I've done it the other way with very bad results and lots of finger pointing. In. The end I was the loser.
Also, you might want to call JSI in Florida. They are a large canvas outfit that have a very extensive collection of patterns for dodgers, biminis, and other items. Their patterns are not universal--they are designed to a specific boat model. However, if they do have a pattern for your boat, you would want to see a picture of their past work. I've heard it said that their products, generally speaking, fit well; but not quite as good as good-quality, custom-made enclosures. Their prices, though, I reasonable.
emailed JSI, and hope they can give us a good quote, as we will be on the hudson river living aboard over the winter and would love a cockpit enclosure for that.......
A good quality dodger/enclosure will run $5000-8000 and this is not an area to pinch the penny on. You have a very expensive beautiful boat. My recommendation is to go first cabin on this. I have a great quality dodger/enclosure and I enjoy every minute of use. It is in it's 7th year and is as new.
I, too, vote for the custom solution. I worked with a local guy to get the design and features I wanted. Think through things like putting side curtains up and down in bad weather, going forward with enclosure in place, clearance for winches, impact on seating, view of sails and telltales, attachment points, height of dodger in relation to your height when at the helm, clearance over companionway for ingress/egress. Your local guy can talk you thru those options and get your priorities into the design.
-charlie
-charlie
My vote to is to go local and don't skimp. Someone you can talk to in person and who takes the actual measurements (they vary some even on the same model) of your boat is worth the cost.
Brian
Brian