Dodger Question Catalina 30

[Ken S]

Looking at Purchasing a Catalina 30Concerned about a Dodger to fit and use all the winchesNeed some ideas how owners have handled

 

[Bob Camarena]

My Experience

My dodger is a compromise. I can't get a full 360 degree crank on either my mainsheet/main halyard winch on the starboard side of the companionway or my jib halyard winch on the port side. I did re-locate both of them closer to the companionway slide to increase my freedom. A shorter winch handle helps a little, but you give up leverage. I really don't know how you would get full 360 degree clearance and still have an aesthetically pleasing dodger.A couple of other hints to consider in designing your dodger. Mine is a little lower than many that I've seen. I like it that way since I can see over it from the helm and the lower profile blends better with the lines of the boat. Ample seated headroom is fine with me. Full standing headroom is too high in my opinion and looks awkward on a boat the size of the C-30. I also had a full cover made for the dodger rather than snap-on window covers. The cost was about the same (more fabric but less labor) but this way I get full protection from the sun when the boat is not in use. I anticipate that this will extend the useful life of the dodger by quite a bit.Also, check with your canvas shop about the advantages and disadvantages of the stiffer polycarbonate windows vs. the softer vinyl (I think the soft stuff is vinyl). I chose polycarbonate for its clarity and resistance to wrinkles, but there are tradeoffs.

 

[John Mavrovich]

Full Bimini

I have a 4-bow bimini with a zip-out windshield. I provides full standing headroom and ample clearance at the winches. It has a more upright look than the dodger/bimini combination but many other advantages. Full bimini is a requirement in NC - possibly not as important in the northeast.

 

[Dave R.]

Dodger

When I had to decide on a dodger for my 30, we were faced with two choices. One, that was as tall as the boom and came aft to the jib winches that would permanently be up all the time, or one that could fold down just short of the traveler. We opted for the shorty. Since most of our sailing in Chicago is from May to October, the dodger is only needed for about two months. The shorty breaks the brisk wind enough for everyone in the cockpit except of course the skipper. It does not interfere with any rigging which includes the mainsheet winch, main halyard winch, traveler, vang cleat, and two jiffy reefing cleats.

 

[John]

Greatdoger

Ilove my doger MY center window rolls up so you can see . The side windows zipper off. I cant stand under it but I am 6' tall all my winches spin all the way around my traveler can be adjusted from the zipper . BUT its geting alittle torn up , I have a88 C30 and am in need of a new dodger bimini, with full sides and back . The sides and back will be new to me ,I only have zipper on canves now I like the taller dodger so we can sit under in the rain and hot son I cant find anty one to make me anew dodger at anty price I am in lake george NY and the good old boys dont do much work around there .No body will go out to the boat to measure They all want me to bring the boat to them .They are not on the water I mite have to truck the boat to them . 500 bucks for a round trip ticket to the canvas man down the road 5 min Now that I vented What do you all think about the dodger bimini from catalina on this site it looks like mine some what, and Its not cheeeeep , What shouid I have to pay for abimini dodger combo ? seen prices from 350 500 1100 Three Difrent places the 11oo price comes from cattalina dodger only. John