Dodger or No Dodger

[Dave2424]

Hey FolksI'm switching from my 30' power cruiser to a mid-30's sailboat this summer and looking to get the most boat I can afford. So...., if you're essentially a weekend great lakes sailor with a 2-3 week trip once a year, do you need a dodger or can you spend that money elsewhere?

 

[John24107]

Elsewhere

If you're the occasional day-sailer, you're likely not to go out when the weather is such that you'll want a dodger.

 

[Dave2424]

Hey ElsewhereThanks. That's what I thought but, between the sales dudes and those pretty pictures in the magazines...

 

[PHitchcox]

Depends on the weather

Dave,As someone from Maine, I sailed for several years without a dodger, and then discovered how cold life can be. (I ski in sub-zero weather, but nothing's colder than a late evening sail in May).If you're only out in nice weather, worry not about a dodger. If you expect to be out in less kind weather, then a dodger is wonderful. Until it's cold and rains, then you'll need a bimini too.

 

[Zaphro]

Once upon a time...

I sailed on Lake Michigan out of Holland, MI with a dodger, on my dad's boat. I tend to agree with the elsewhere post. They're nice when you need them, after all, a little 50 degree spray over the bow can make for a lot of misery in the cockpit. Being fair weather sailors even then I recall leaving the window pannels unzipped and rolled up out of the way most times. Most often you're not far from protected waters and cocktails in a cozy marina where you can save the sailing for warmer days and better conditions anyway. Sea stories over a couple of beers isn't a bad way to enjoy your boat either.

 

[letterman]

from a great lakes sailor

If you don't have a dodger, take your waterproof downhill ski stuff with you. I wear bibb overhauls that work great...in dry conditions.I sail Lake Erie....Larry has a dodger on his Pearson Vanguard and its great for sneaking under if it's cold out...it breaks the wind nicely....and he has a bimini that is a roll up/take off sides type. Perfect! I have neither and it is in the plans to make one. I plan on a hard dodger out of plywood and mahogany (salvaged from another boat.) Then, I plan to make a bimini.For most of the year it isn't that bad without one. It's just like my old Austin Healy...I was happy when I had the rag top on to put it up vs. the tonneau cover in either rain or cold or both!

 

[Stu Jackson]

When it rains and you're at anchor

you'll wish you had one if you don't. It can get pretty cozy inside if you have to put in the hatchboards and close the top...

 

[s sauer]

Chesapeake Sailor

On the typical hot summer Chesapeake Bay days you'd not want a dodger to block the favorable breezes, but would want a Bimini to keep from baking your brains.

 

[Scott B]

all depends on your budget

Dave, it all depends on what you have now, to what you're prepared to spend on the new boat. A 30' power cruiser has lots of areas to hide from the wind and sun. When we were considering what to buy, one of my criteria was protection from the sun. Other consideration was sitting in the cockpit during and after sunset on Georgian Bay and enjoying the best part of the day. What we ended up with was a full enclosure over the cockpit, that could zip out to a sun shade or could be completely removed. It all boils down to what you want to have out there on the Bay.BTW, what part of the Bay are you located.

 

[Steve A.]

Don't know about thGreat Lakes, but in Maine . . .

I can't speak for the Great Lakes area, however, in Maine where I cruise a dodger is an absolute must. It creates an area where you can hide from the cool/cold wind, it keeps the morning dew and the rain out of the companionway and it fends off the fog. During the one or two hot days, I open the center flap and let the breeze come through. The other advantage of a dodger is keeping the spray at bay -- I make the trip from Newburyport, MA to Boothbay, ME (and back) every year and about 25% of the time there are big waves that create spray that comes all the way back to the cockpit -- dodger keeps the cabin and the crew dry.

 

[Dave2424]

Hey Scott

Hey ScottThanks for the reply. I was thinking the same thing re Sun vs. Breeze. Leaning towards a Bimini. We're out of Penetanguishene. Zip around to the local spots (Beausoleil, Beckwith, Kilcoursie etc...)on the weekends and get up to the North Channel for 2-3 weeks each summer. Where do you keep your boat?

 

[T37 Phil]

Northern sun

My wife likes the bimini, I like the sun. Contrary to popular belief, there are quite a few sunny days in the Erie summer. The real question is how early in Spring and late into Fall do you plan on sailing. During those times, how much weather discomfort are you willing to put up with to get out there?

 

[Waffle]

Re: boat I can afford

I didn't know there was such a thing. Well you lrean something every day.The only reason not to have a Dodger is you sail in a very protected water or you like to get wet. I would recommend you sail in warm water if you like to get wet!

 

[CalebD]

I agree with all the previous posts

and my boat came with a dodger which we used for a few years on the LI Sound. I found that in the summer I rolled up the windows a lot and decided to do without it when it is warm out. But when it is cold or there is a lot of spray you will be unhappy without a dodger or foul weather gear. We tend to have some sun over the summer and I sometimes think that a bimini would be nice to have but there are always sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and clothing to be worn. The downside to using a dodger is the reduced visibility and the increased windage especially during strong winds this piece of equipment needs to be taken down. Casual racers tend to shun using the dodger because of the windage issues it creates. Then there is the cost.Long and short, it is good to have a reasonable amount of equipment on board even if it just for the crews comfort but when not in use the support bars need to be stowed somewhere as does the canvas. I personally enjoy my boat a little more without the dodger as I can see more when sitting in the cockpit or at the helm but I am glad that I have one that can be rigged easily.Tartan 27', 1967, #328

 

[David10790]

On Georgian Bay No Dodger is No Good

G. Bay is on average windier than the lower lakes. It is also colder. Without a dodger you will not want to sail in May or September, thus cutting your season by about 2/5ths. That's a lot of time lost for an extra $500 bucks or so.

 

[Ross]

I have considered a dodger and have

had a bimini and they both get in the way and limit visibilty. When we lay to the anchor I rig an awning. When I am out and the weather turns foul I put on some more clothes and close the hatch.

 

[William12213]

easy choice

We sailed the Great Lakes for three years without a dodger or bimini but last summer we added both. I won't be without them again. They help to extend the season a little and keep the weather off you when it is miserable. When it is nice fold it up. Our dodger folds down flat on the deck and the Bimini fold up against the backstay so the sun can shine on us.

 

[Carl12422]

Where I sail a dodger is a must.... I leave mine

up almost all the time ..Great protection in nasty weather, freezing cold at thewheel but warm and dry under the dodger... If it gets hot we just open the large front center zipper panel... It lets lots of breeze in and you canstill get out of the sun too. I also have a bimini that attaches to the dodgerfor sun and rain protection when relaxing in the cockpit.

 

[Jim]

Great Lakes? Get a dodger!

Money well spent! Keeps the cockpit and cabin dry when the spray/rain kicks up. Plus it is amazing how much warmer it is. I wouldn't be without it. Bimini would be nice but not required on the Great Lakes.

 

[larry w]

to dodge or...

I sail in So. Cal. where the Pacific Ocean is cold. I wouldn't be without a dodger and I know my wife would never go out without one.