We have finally arrived at the realization that a dodger, up here in Maine, would be an excellent idea. For years, we enjoyed the open, fresh air, ala skiing, but a recent trip to St Thomas convinced us of the value of a dodger, even when the weather is nice. Anyways, I've contacted Hunter Marine and the chandlery at HunterOwners and received quotes. Needless to say, HunterMarine's original dodger is almost twice as expensive, but is the 'real deal'; the reviews from HunterOwners include one major endorsement and one 'you get what you pay for'. I have also found a dodger online, custom built, that cost twice the Hunter original. I've searched this site and found lots of information about dodgers (whether or not to install one), but wanted to ask more about quality and cost. Don't know the size of the tubing in the Hunter version, but the HunterOwners version is 7/8" SS; presume the canvas material is similar (though one reviewed thought Hunter's original canvas was 'a joke'). The custom dodger was 1" SS. So the range of costs is understandably related to a range of quality. My question is the range of quality and cost that others have experienced with their dodgers; have others purchased through HunterOwners and been happy with their purchase? Has anyone ever bought, post sailboat purchase, from Hunter directly? Any other considerations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments.
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A couple thoughts about pricing
Any reputable builder uses Sunbrella canvas and stainless steel frames. The frame diameter won't account for a substantial price difference. There _can_ be some fairly expensive differences in the window materials, and that will have some bearing on how long the panes will last before fogging and scratching. But, the real difference in price really comes down to two factors: labor costs and customization. Less expensive dodgers, while made from the same materials and of the same quality as the pricey ones, do not offer all the bells, whistles, and options. They are made from an existing pattern, checked against your boat for accuracy, and built. Your options will be limited to a couple window alternatives, covers, and few other small extras. That should cost well under $2k, possibly under $1500. Because they're made from a pattern, the builder can use less expensive labor (someone who can sew canvas, instead of someone who can design dodgers). Your $3k - $5k dodger, made by a local builder, should offer virtually unlimited choices. You decide the height, where you want leather trim, how many and what size windows, where the steel hand grips should be, mounting design, etc. It's a custom design and you will participate in the process. It will be installed for you, too. These dodgers are often built by the owner of the shop, which accounts for a good chunk of the price difference. If you have very specific needs -- and the cash --a custom dodger is an excellent option. If your needs are less specific and you'll be happy with a more generic dodger that fits your boat... and you're comfortable doing your own installation, then the less expensive dodger will work great. Both dodgers will probably give you the same useful service life. But, as I said, the materials will be similar (if not exactly the same) on most options you review. That's not where the cost difference comes from. One thing for sure: you'll like having one on the boat, especially in Maine! Here in the NW you very seldom see a sailboat without one. ph.
Any reputable builder uses Sunbrella canvas and stainless steel frames. The frame diameter won't account for a substantial price difference. There _can_ be some fairly expensive differences in the window materials, and that will have some bearing on how long the panes will last before fogging and scratching. But, the real difference in price really comes down to two factors: labor costs and customization. Less expensive dodgers, while made from the same materials and of the same quality as the pricey ones, do not offer all the bells, whistles, and options. They are made from an existing pattern, checked against your boat for accuracy, and built. Your options will be limited to a couple window alternatives, covers, and few other small extras. That should cost well under $2k, possibly under $1500. Because they're made from a pattern, the builder can use less expensive labor (someone who can sew canvas, instead of someone who can design dodgers). Your $3k - $5k dodger, made by a local builder, should offer virtually unlimited choices. You decide the height, where you want leather trim, how many and what size windows, where the steel hand grips should be, mounting design, etc. It's a custom design and you will participate in the process. It will be installed for you, too. These dodgers are often built by the owner of the shop, which accounts for a good chunk of the price difference. If you have very specific needs -- and the cash --a custom dodger is an excellent option. If your needs are less specific and you'll be happy with a more generic dodger that fits your boat... and you're comfortable doing your own installation, then the less expensive dodger will work great. Both dodgers will probably give you the same useful service life. But, as I said, the materials will be similar (if not exactly the same) on most options you review. That's not where the cost difference comes from. One thing for sure: you'll like having one on the boat, especially in Maine! Here in the NW you very seldom see a sailboat without one. ph.
Other considerations
Hi Paul, Nice site, huh! Another thing you might want to consider is what's best for you, and up here in Maine. High, low, long (sun protection- I don't think so up here!)or no sun protection. Also if you make it high, can you see over it or through it? Big difference when the windows start to get old and fuzzy? Side lenght is another factor. The longer, the more wind protection (another thing we have to contend with) but the more it's in the way. Ours seems pretty good. Z
Hi Paul, Nice site, huh! Another thing you might want to consider is what's best for you, and up here in Maine. High, low, long (sun protection- I don't think so up here!)or no sun protection. Also if you make it high, can you see over it or through it? Big difference when the windows start to get old and fuzzy? Side lenght is another factor. The longer, the more wind protection (another thing we have to contend with) but the more it's in the way. Ours seems pretty good. Z
Contact Island Nautical
I have done business with them at boat shows and by UPS. They have patterns for most production boats. They sent me a complete sample book of Sunbrella fabrics. I installed the hardware myself in under an hour. Everything fit perfect. After six or seven years I had some restitching done The cost was well under half of a local estimate. Back in 1994 I paid the boat show price of $700 for the dodger with an aluminum frame. Stainless was available for another hundred. I also got a zip on awning for $175. They are located in NY and had a three week lead time. Didn't make sense to me to invest in expensive custom acessories for a low end production boat. It was a great investment sailing in New England.
I have done business with them at boat shows and by UPS. They have patterns for most production boats. They sent me a complete sample book of Sunbrella fabrics. I installed the hardware myself in under an hour. Everything fit perfect. After six or seven years I had some restitching done The cost was well under half of a local estimate. Back in 1994 I paid the boat show price of $700 for the dodger with an aluminum frame. Stainless was available for another hundred. I also got a zip on awning for $175. They are located in NY and had a three week lead time. Didn't make sense to me to invest in expensive custom acessories for a low end production boat. It was a great investment sailing in New England.
Hard dodger?
Have you considered building a "hard dodger"? I was looking at a boat last weekend that had a frame of tubing but had a flat fiberglass top. At least it wouldn't sag in the snow. Markdb
Have you considered building a "hard dodger"? I was looking at a boat last weekend that had a frame of tubing but had a flat fiberglass top. At least it wouldn't sag in the snow. Markdb
Look Around
Paul, Take a walk around your marina and some other ones around. Especially go to marinas that have mixed clientel (high-priced boats as well as production boats). Look at their design and quality. See what you might like. Ask the owners what they think and whom they might recommend. Many dodgers will have a label sewn into the seam on the underside of the dodger that identifies to source or maker of the dodger.
Paul, Take a walk around your marina and some other ones around. Especially go to marinas that have mixed clientel (high-priced boats as well as production boats). Look at their design and quality. See what you might like. Ask the owners what they think and whom they might recommend. Many dodgers will have a label sewn into the seam on the underside of the dodger that identifies to source or maker of the dodger.
Consider the hard dodger
On our 1990 H35.5 we replaced the original cloth dodger with a hard dodger from Wavestopper, after seeing some at the Annapolis show. Our concern was based on moving to the tropics and wishing to reduce the amount of cloth of the boat. The hard dodger gave us many unanticipated benefits, the best one being the added security of having very strong, secure handholds. Going to weather, and taking solid water over the top, was aslo much more secure with the added strength up front. Set up properly, we are able to see over it, and, if desired, all the vertical "windows" can be unzipped and stowed - still leaving a top that allows my short wife to stand on when stowing the main. Cost in 2001, in Annapolis, was $2500, installed.
On our 1990 H35.5 we replaced the original cloth dodger with a hard dodger from Wavestopper, after seeing some at the Annapolis show. Our concern was based on moving to the tropics and wishing to reduce the amount of cloth of the boat. The hard dodger gave us many unanticipated benefits, the best one being the added security of having very strong, secure handholds. Going to weather, and taking solid water over the top, was aslo much more secure with the added strength up front. Set up properly, we are able to see over it, and, if desired, all the vertical "windows" can be unzipped and stowed - still leaving a top that allows my short wife to stand on when stowing the main. Cost in 2001, in Annapolis, was $2500, installed.
go custom
Think of it this way, which will look and fit better; an off the rack suit or a tailored suit? If canvas doesn't fit well it will not only look like heck but will capture water in the wrinkles. Considering that you're going to have to live with it for many years my advice would be to spend the little extra and have one custome fit and measured for your boat.
Think of it this way, which will look and fit better; an off the rack suit or a tailored suit? If canvas doesn't fit well it will not only look like heck but will capture water in the wrinkles. Considering that you're going to have to live with it for many years my advice would be to spend the little extra and have one custome fit and measured for your boat.
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