Dodger Frame

J

j.hunter9999

.
Oct 30, 2019
574
Does anyone have a design for a more permanent dodger frame? I'd like to install something that I can use for handholds when we walk forward, whether the dodger is in place or not. The current setup, which is original, works fine as a dodger, but there is nothing to hold on to when the dodger is in place.

If you have a design for the frame, do you also have a design for the dodger and a supplier?

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Jack
Bella - V2620
 
M

mphalv

.
Sep 29, 2001
195
Hi Jack,

I am sorry I have not replied regarding the cost of raising the boom on
Double Fantasy and having a new, taller and sturdier dodger made. So far, I
have been unable to locate all of the receipts, but I will keep looking.
We did have a new gooseneck fashioned at a cost of $45.00. The existing
mainsail was recut to fit-we've never missed the reduction in sail area as we
usually end up reefing anyway. The new dodger was made by Diana Webb of
Great Britain. I believe the cost was about $1000.00 US dollars in 2003.
The frame is very sturdy. We did order the extra grab bar, but have never
felt the need to install it as the dodger is so sturdy even without it. I
believe Diana mentioned that she had never installed the bar on her own Vega.
We felt the cost of her dodger was a bargain--it was actually less
expensive than some quotes we received to have one made here in Maine! We've
been quite pleased with her dodger. There have been many positive comments on
this web site about them. Steve Birch can tell you whether or not she
still makes them.

Melanie
V1826 Double Fantasy
Holden, Maine
 
M

mphalv

.
Sep 29, 2001
195
Hi Jack,

I finally found some of the paper work regarding the dodger I ordered from
Diana Webb. The order was actually placed in the fall of 2002. The final
cost was approx. $952 US dollars. This cost included carriage to the US;
about $80 for ordering a green color rather than the blue; and about $80 for
the grab bar which we have never used. Hope this helps.

Melanie
V1826 Double Fantasy
 
P

pjacobs55

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
Jack,
I replaced my frame with a clone made from 7/8" stainless tubing. I did this because I have a new cover, and like the 'original' look. Modifications included a pair of hand-holds along the top, and a pair of side struts for support.

The handles have been a real asset. The side struts work well too, just had to keep the bases far enough forward so my winch handle would clear.

I put quick-release pins on the side struts so the frame can still be folded down flat on the cabin top.

I added a couple of pictures to the "Vega 1331" album on the photos section of the Yahoo website.

If I had to buy a new setup I'd definately go with the Diana Webb one. They're a bit taller and a lot sturdier than the original, and (imho) look good, too.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
T

trevy_kins

.
Oct 31, 2019
230
Hi gang, has anyone posted a good picture of Diana's famous dodgers?



________________________________

From: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of pjacobs55
Sent: December 14, 2009 12:36 PM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Dodger Frame





Jack,
I replaced my frame with a clone made from 7/8" stainless tubing. I did
this because I have a new cover, and like the 'original' look.
Modifications included a pair of hand-holds along the top, and a pair of
side struts for support.

The handles have been a real asset. The side struts work well too, just
had to keep the bases far enough forward so my winch handle would clear.

I put quick-release pins on the side struts so the frame can still be
folded down flat on the cabin top.

I added a couple of pictures to the "Vega 1331" album on the photos
section of the Yahoo website.

If I had to buy a new setup I'd definately go with the Diana Webb one.
They're a bit taller and a lot sturdier than the original, and (imho)
look good, too.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
M

mphalv

.
Sep 29, 2001
195
We posted a photo under sail with Diana Webb's dodger and our raised boom
in the photo section of the Yahoo site under the file name Double Fantasy.

Melanie
V1826
 
P

pjacobs55

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
That is one fine looking dodger.

Do you find the handhold next to the companionway useful?Nicholas H. Walsh P.A.
111 Commercial St.
Portland ME 04101
207/772-2191
Fax 207/774-3940

This email is from a law firm and may contain information
that is privileged or confidential. If you suspect
you were not intended to receive this email,
please delete it and contact us.

From: MPHALV@...
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 4:03 PM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Re: Dodger Frame
We posted a photo under sail with Diana Webb's dodger and our raised boom
in the photo section of the Yahoo site under the file name Double Fantasy.

Melanie
V1826
 
M

mphalv

.
Sep 29, 2001
195
Hi Nick,

Actually, we never installed the grab bar even though we ordered one. In
the photo, Paul has a hold of the back end of the dodger. The stainless
steel frame is so sturdy that we never got around to putting on the grab bar.
I'm sure the grab bar would mean less wear and tear on the fabric, but
after 6 years of use, the dodger is holding up well.

Nick, we are only 2 hours apart--one of these days we have to meet! By
the way, we are enjoying your blog!

Melanie
V1826 Double Fantasy
Holden, Maine
 
J

j.hunter9999

.
Oct 30, 2019
574
Melanie,
Thanks for the information. I've avoided raising the boom because of having to recut the main. Was that expensive? How do they recut it? What measurements do you have to give them? Who did the work? Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of sail makers here on the Great Lakes.

Also, how did you go about raising the boom. I've struggled with coming up with an idea. On our Vega, the boom is fixed. We converted to jiffy reefing last year (a splendid idea). However, I'm not sure if there is an aftermarket gooseneck I can use to attach the boom.

Did Diana supply the parts for the dodger frame, also? I already settled on having her make the dodger if she is still in the business. If she didn't supply the frame, where did you have it made or purchase it, and do you have the dimensions? Steve is going to send me the info when Diana gets back from vacation.

Thanks again for the info!

Jack,
Bella - V2620
 
J

j.hunter9999

.
Oct 30, 2019
574
Thanks, Peter. Tacha looks great, as usual! I'll touch base with Diana. If she supplies the frame as well, we may be in business!

Jack
 
J

j.hunter9999

.
Oct 30, 2019
574
Melanie,

How do you feel walking forward when the dodger is up? Do you feel like you need something more to hold on to? Otherwise, it looks great! I'm convinced, Diana is the way to go!

Jack
 
V

vegatern

.
Oct 2, 2005
465
I made some changes to the frame of the dodger on the Tern. The dodger is a custom design of 1" stainless tubing and strong enough to hang on to, but lacked handholds at the front of the frame above the clear plastic. I added handholds from West Marine (part#489112) and find them invaluable, especially when I need to go on deck but don't want to. It's a long reach from the cockpit to the grab bars on the cabin top. The frame already had a long bar hand hold at the after part of the frame. That bar can be rotated horizontal for most use or more vertical to use as a gallows for the boom at anchor. I also found that I sometimes tripped over the after supports that were mounted to the top of the coaming. I replaced them with longer struts and moved those inboard, secured to the inside face of the coaming. This gives the dodger a somewhat boxy appearance but solved the tripping problem. When the canvas needs replacing I will reduce the height of the frame which should help. The joints are secured with allen screws. A poor idea. Reducing windage on the mooring is hard enough, if I had to do it in the dark and in a swell, well . . . I like the idea of quick release unions.
One of the nicest dodgers I've seen on a Vega is on Chuck Rose's Lealea.
Craig Tern#1519
 
S

stevebirch2002

.
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi All

Diana has flown to the US for Christmas. She will be back early January. She only makes a certain amount each year so get your order in early. Comes complete with stainless steel frames and all fittings. Grabrails are extra and are again stainless steel.

If you would like any info (AFter Christmas) then drop me an email at steve@... and I will pass all enquiries on.

Cheers

Steve B
 
P

pelagicasd

.
Jan 28, 2001
694
Hi Craig, Haven't been following the dodger stuff but I'm assuming that you're using the Taco fittings. These are the ones most commonly found on boats and are secured with the set or allen screws. You might consider removing the screw and drilling a 3/16" hole through the tubing. Put a stainless pop rivet in and its not going to come apart. If it needs to come apart you going to have to drill the rivet out. Time consuming but a very secure setup.

Walt
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
From: vegatern@...
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:57:00 +0000
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Dodger Frame



I made some changes to the frame of the dodger on the Tern. The dodger is a custom design of 1" stainless tubing and strong enough to hang on to, but lacked handholds at the front of the frame above the clear plastic. I added handholds from West Marine (part#489112) and find them invaluable, especially when I need to go on deck but don't want to. It's a long reach from the cockpit to the grab bars on the cabin top. The frame already had a long bar hand hold at the after part of the frame. That bar can be rotated horizontal for most use or more vertical to use as a gallows for the boom at anchor. I also found that I sometimes tripped over the after supports that were mounted to the top of the coaming. I replaced them with longer struts and moved those inboard, secured to the inside face of the coaming. This gives the dodger a somewhat boxy appearance but solved the tripping problem. When the canvas needs replacing I will reduce the height of the frame which should help. The joints are secured with allen screws. A poor idea. Reducing windage on the mooring is hard enough, if I had to do it in the dark and in a swell, well . . . I like the idea of quick release unions.
One of the nicest dodgers I've seen on a Vega is on Chuck Rose's Lealea.
Craig Tern#1519
 
H

hheiduck

.
Aug 1, 2000
95
I too had Diana make a new dodger for Flicka, probably 2002 or 2003.
I installed it and never lowered or removed it after that.
It is very sturdy and works great as a place to hang on to when going forward, the material held up extremely well and the clear plastic stayed clear without doing anything to it...I don't have Flicka anymore (donated her to the Long Island Maritime Museum last fall).
I can highly recommend Diana's dodger.

Hans Heiduck
 
V

vegatern

.
Oct 2, 2005
465
Another thought . . . My dodger is up 12 months a year, 24/7. It takes a lot of abuse from the elements and seagulls. A neighbor has a new dodger that came with a dodger cover, like a sail cover, that snaps in place when he leaves the boat. It is a worth while option if available. My dodger would probably still be looking new had I made a cover for it.
Craig
 
P

pjacobs55

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
In winter I use a small (5' X 7') tarp across the boom to cover the dodger. Works well to keep snow off. I also have a "bird string" from the mast to the topping lift at the end of the boom, about 12" above the sail cover, to discourage feathered friends from landing and making unwanted deposits.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
M

mageekenneth

.
Oct 25, 2008
168
Albin Marin Vega Bogue Chitto, Miss
I highly recommend the spray hood made by Diana. I have had mine for a year and it has withstood 45+knt winds. simple and effective. keeps you really dry too. If I lost mine tomorrow I would immediately reorder another. FWIW.
K.L.Magee

________________________________
From: Steve Birch steve@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, December 15, 2009 2:05:16 AM
Subject: [AlbinVega] Diana's Dodger (Sprayhood) Frame


Hi All

Diana has flown to the US for Christmas. She will be back early January. She only makes a certain amount each year so get your order in early. Comes complete with stainless steel frames and all fittings. Grabrails are extra and are again stainless steel.

If you would like any info (AFter Christmas) then drop me an email at steve@albinvega. com and I will pass all enquiries on.

Cheers

Steve B
 
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