My 1995 Hunter 430 is ready for new canvas. I'd like to replace the existing bimini that extends forward and aft from the arch with a bimini and dodger. The only dodger I've found to date is done by Ameriseam. Their dodger doesn't extend to the top of the arch so it leaves a gap that will let in all kinds of weather. Does anyone know where I can find a dodger that will give "seamless" protection with my bimini?
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430 Dodger
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, when we had the dodger designed for our 430, everyone agreed that that lines of the boat looked best with no dodger and the higher we made the dodger, the less attractive the boat looked. I compromised and made the dodger just high enough that I could see foreward through the dodger from the helm. There is a gap of about 9 inches from the bottom of the arch to the top of the dodger. It turns out that this gap is often welcome. When it is raining cats and dogs, it is difficult to see through the plastic panels of the dodger. Every so often, I stand on my toes and quickly galance through the gap to double check what is ahead. (Normally when the weather is crappy "Auto" is driving the boat.) In the Pacific NW we don't need a bimini. The sun rarely gets hot enough on the water. Usually everyone is scrambling to stay on the sunny side of the sails. Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, when we had the dodger designed for our 430, everyone agreed that that lines of the boat looked best with no dodger and the higher we made the dodger, the less attractive the boat looked. I compromised and made the dodger just high enough that I could see foreward through the dodger from the helm. There is a gap of about 9 inches from the bottom of the arch to the top of the dodger. It turns out that this gap is often welcome. When it is raining cats and dogs, it is difficult to see through the plastic panels of the dodger. Every so often, I stand on my toes and quickly galance through the gap to double check what is ahead. (Normally when the weather is crappy "Auto" is driving the boat.) In the Pacific NW we don't need a bimini. The sun rarely gets hot enough on the water. Usually everyone is scrambling to stay on the sunny side of the sails. Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
Connector to dodger
I have the same gap between the dodger and bimini,I like it that way so you can still look over the dodger which gives more flexable viewing and than we have a piece of canvas that connects the dodger to the bimini. It works out very well and very easy to put on or take off,my dodger is lower than the bimini height,so we use it when raining or very cool buy most times its off. nick
I have the same gap between the dodger and bimini,I like it that way so you can still look over the dodger which gives more flexable viewing and than we have a piece of canvas that connects the dodger to the bimini. It works out very well and very easy to put on or take off,my dodger is lower than the bimini height,so we use it when raining or very cool buy most times its off. nick
A good Canvasman...
...may have suggestion on how to do it. If you buy an "off the shelf", "cookie-cutter" brand, they may not have the special eye of a tailored canvasman product. It might cost you a little more, but just an opinion that may keep the admiral happier.
...may have suggestion on how to do it. If you buy an "off the shelf", "cookie-cutter" brand, they may not have the special eye of a tailored canvasman product. It might cost you a little more, but just an opinion that may keep the admiral happier.
Dodger Connector
I just recently added a dodger to my 306. I had my canvas man make a clear connector between the new dodger and my existing bimini. The connector can be easily zipped on and off when needed.
I just recently added a dodger to my 306. I had my canvas man make a clear connector between the new dodger and my existing bimini. The connector can be easily zipped on and off when needed.
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