Our Legend 37.5 has a fixed bimini that covers the entire cockpit. The bimini remains up the entire season. It looks a little ungainly, but it provides great shade and weather protection. We replaced the bimini last year. For a dodger, we attach a wrap around canvas arrangement with clear plastic windows to the bimini. We can roll the big front window up during nice weather. This also works well, but over the years the windows have yellowed from sun exposure. It now needs replacement. Our sailing habits are to leave the dodger attached, even when we leave the boat at the marina, as opposed to removing the dodger each time we leave the boat. I know this contirbutes to the yellowing process. For the new dodger, we will have a device ("dodger cover") that covers the dodger to protect the clear plastic from the sun. We are waffling between a dodger cover that snaps onto the dodger and can be removed (unsnapped) when the boat is sailed, or a dodger cover that rolls up and down (almost shade like) but is permanently attached to the dodger. The negtive with the snap on dodger cover is it is another piece of canvas we need to store when the boat is being sailed. The negative with the roll-up dodger cover is what happens if it comes loose during a blow? Any thoughts, experiences that anyone would care to share would be appreciated.
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Keeping the plastic clear
I can't really comment on what style replacement you should try but I do have a suggestion for keeping the plastic clear. First of all do not use any products such as windex on it. Use a mild boat wash product and then when dry apply a thin coat of marine polish. Wipe off with a soft cloth. This will keep your plastic soft and plyable which will help to keep it clear. If you take the plactic pieces off make sure that you don't fold it, it will cause stars. Rolling it will keep it from creasing or from getting scratch. These were tips from the company who has done canvas work for us on two different boats. They have worked well for us. Good luck on your replacement project.
I can't really comment on what style replacement you should try but I do have a suggestion for keeping the plastic clear. First of all do not use any products such as windex on it. Use a mild boat wash product and then when dry apply a thin coat of marine polish. Wipe off with a soft cloth. This will keep your plastic soft and plyable which will help to keep it clear. If you take the plactic pieces off make sure that you don't fold it, it will cause stars. Rolling it will keep it from creasing or from getting scratch. These were tips from the company who has done canvas work for us on two different boats. They have worked well for us. Good luck on your replacement project.
My Experience
I also have a full enclosure, but it is up only for the winter. However, the dodger stays up all the time. It has snap-on covers for the plexiglass, and looks great after ine years. However, my prior boat had a full cover that went over the entire dodger, and I actually found it to be better. It shields the dodger from the UV and isn't any more difficult to remove and stow. I'd recommend it. Rick D.
I also have a full enclosure, but it is up only for the winter. However, the dodger stays up all the time. It has snap-on covers for the plexiglass, and looks great after ine years. However, my prior boat had a full cover that went over the entire dodger, and I actually found it to be better. It shields the dodger from the UV and isn't any more difficult to remove and stow. I'd recommend it. Rick D.
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