Dodger (one more time)

mortyd · Oct 27, 2011

one more time, a dodger is not a drop-in part like a fuel cap. you're going to have to shop around in your area for shops who make dodgers, and more importantly, install them. good luck.

Stu Jackson · Oct 27, 2011

ball park for this is hard to say, really. Here's why: the height of your proposed dodger will affect the amount of material. So will the # of dodger "windows" and zippers. The material and threads used make a difference. Will you require side handholds?

$3,000 and more.

mortyd · Oct 27, 2011

be very careful. my factory dodger was intsalled with a number of snaps installed in the fiberglass around the dodger which necessitated drilling holes in the boat. this seems like quite a job to me, and your price seems quite low.

mortyd · Oct 27, 2011

have you inspected other catalina 30's with dodgers? if not, i suggest you do before you undertake anything, at least to have an idea what may be invloved. look on the web at boats for sale if you can't find boats near you. at least you won't have winter to cope with.

gpd955 · Oct 27, 2011

Becka Anne said:
Thanks for the quick reply. I've got someone who will custom make the dodger and install for $1800.00
Cheapest I found here in the Florida panhandle

The price sounds great but I would be VERY wary about such a low quote...unless this person is a friend and is just charging for the material. A custom, quality dodger is going to be quite a bit more. I've seen quotes for repairs and glass panel addition that is close to that!

Consider having a panel made that allows you to connect the bimini to it. If you're paying for a new, custom dodger that is a great addition. Especially if you plan on anchoring a lot. You'll be able to keep the companionway open in the rain!

Team118 · Oct 28, 2011

I agree with Mortyd...

My Catalina came with a dodger and the various panels that would allow me to close in the cockpit. Unfortunately I never saw the previous owner (bought through broker) and there were no instructions.

The canvas and plexiglass windows were a bit whooped and the threads were showing their age.

I also didn't like the fact that the dodger restricted my access to the bow and my vision. So I removed it and it's my shed sitting there. I figure the aluminum is worth more than the canvas since it's already cut for size and I can always have it redone.

Now I'm 49 and my wife and I enjoy the sun and we never sail in the rain and we haven't taken the step of sleeping over in it, so the choice of getting rid of the dodger was a bit easier. We only get about 3-4 good months of sailing up here.

However as I'm getting older, the sun is less important and I'm looking at the dodger more and more and your posts have gotten me curious.

Well that was a rambling way to say, the dodger isn't right for us and I made the choice after using the boat with one on it.

As Stu would say....your boat, your choice!

Good luck
Chris

Bad Obsession · Oct 28, 2011

I love my bimini and dodger. I have said this and I will re-say this. Make sure you get window covers for your dodger. Don't leave it on all season long because it will shorten the life. If you leave the boat for a long time take the dodger off. I take mine off every winter and this winter I will re-stitch my dodger and bimini.

Bad Obsession · Oct 28, 2011

I actually made my window covers. The dodger didn't originally have covers for the windows. The dodger was a 2004 and I bought the boat in 2005. The windows already had a little haze to them. Since I covered the windows the haze hasn't worsened.

You will see that the height of my dodger is so that when I stand I can see over the dodger. I have a connector between the dodger and the bimini also.

Spend the money now and buy a GOOD dodger. If not you will pay for it later when you replace it.

foolproof · Oct 28, 2011

Team:

If you don't want your dodger, I would love to have it! A) I would use the the frame to: B) make new panels and windows in my color (maroon). My wife and I will spend nearly every weekend aboard as we did in the past, and would love to be able to leave the companionway open, even in the rain.

Let me know if we can work something out!

Mike

mortyd · Oct 29, 2011

the more this thread goes on the more i realize the difference in dodgers. my twenty year old factory dodger has no real issues with window clarity, but plastic is plastic so we generally sail with the easily opened ceter panel open. what do you guys mean by window covers. also i have a full length bimini that extends from the aft end of the dodger and i also guess my dodger is as tall as they come since it just clears the boom - just. i also have slits - not original - in the quarter windows so my traveler line gets led aft. i know it's a factory dodger since the first owner left the original bill of sale on the goat.

Stu Jackson · Oct 29, 2011

mortyd said:
t what do you guys mean by window covers.

morty, go back and look at the pictures in reply #9

One really needs those covers to avoid the windows from eventually disintegrating after they fog up enough so you can see through them.

When I broke my leg skiing two years ago the covers weren't on and having other things on my mind, I neglected to have anyone go down and cover them for a few months. Cost a bundle to redo the glazing.

mortyd · Oct 29, 2011

dunno stu. different plastic i guess, but the first owner left the windows out in the open in connectticut winters for about ten years, and no harm done. i'm not saying they're like glass but no plastic will ever be. a few years ago i applied some convertible top cleaner and it made a little difference but not enough for me to bother again. again, i always sail with the large middle panel open but certainly could sail with it closed if needed. i open the panel as much for ventilation as viisiblity since i con the boat from the rail with the large destroyer wheel the boat came with.

Running Late · Nov 25, 2011

dodger estimate

Got a quote 3 yrs ago for a dodger from one of the reputable Canvas shops at Riverside NJ. They estimated 1800 with frame/installation for a 1981 cat 30. I agree with prior posts-covers for plastic is key to helping it last as is removal over winter or prolonged periods of disuse.

As an aside, I did get a Bimini from the Chandlery-it is great. The quality was good and it has held up very well-was less than shop estimate (approx 1300 from chandlery if I remember correctly). One thing I would do is get windows in the bimini as this will allow you to see masthead without craning your neck around (they were recommended and I foolishly declined). Not sure how they would do with a Dodger, but they were very helpful and easy to work with for the Bimini if it is something you are considering. I have a posted pic.

fox islander · Dec 3, 2011

My dodger cost $3,000 about 3 years ago. I had an existing frame, the price included stiffening the frame up and adding handrails. I also opted for the new, thicker, scratch resistant plastic glazing...worth every penny...the windows look the same now as when installed. I also remove all my canvas/ sails december thru march.

Tom J · Dec 3, 2011

Our dodger is a heavy-duty one installed by Catalina. It is strong enough to have handrails on the side. I would highly recommend a dodger strong egough for handrails. They are invaluable when it is rough out there, and you simply must go forward.

mortyd · Dec 4, 2011

it now seems clear that there all kinds of dodgers for all kinds of prices availlable and comparing them on this rorum is a futile effort.

Stu Jackson · Dec 4, 2011

Maybe not so "futile" an effort, 'cuz if I was the OP, I'd have learned a lot about the differences one should look for.

When I first saw the new C375, I noted this about the dodger: The dodger didn't come with what the local dealer calls "ocean handrails." I suppose the Bay doesn't qualify for handholds on a dodger, but I wouldn't go anywhere without them.

That's a very real important safety feature that lots of "new dodger folks" seems to miss. Good Old Boat had an article about how to add them many years ago which I've saved and would be glad to send to anyone who is interested.

Coriolisbc · Dec 12, 2011

Hello all, My Cat 30 faces North in the slip, to face the most powerful winds from the Squamish outflow. Two weeks ago we had some very strong winds from the South, right into the aft of the dodger, the winds lifted one of the dodger tubes that was loose, and that allowed the dodger frame to partially collapse and shred the port and starboard dodger plastic windows.
This boat spent 5 years in the same slip with the Dodger up all winter with zero damage, except for some green stuff forming on the canvas.
All fixed now, and all Dodger canvas is stored safely below until Spring.

Dodger (one more time)

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