Dodger vs Bimini

[Daryl]

Get the dodger with an awning ....

from Island Nautical. They have the pattern in a computer and make it in any color Sunbrella in three weeks

 

[Benny]

In Wisconsin the sailing season

is shorter than most but they still sail mainly in the summer. The water temperature may remain cold but the ambient tempratures and humidity get up there. I remember 99 degree F temps in Milwaukee. I guess it depends on your type of sailing. If you are going to be passage making in all kinds of weather then get the dodger but if your pleasure is daysailing for a few hours the bimini may make it more enjoyable.

 

[newly anonymous]

night sailing?

A dodger is the dog watch's best friend. If you only sail at noon, get a bimini.If you ever sail at night, get a dodger.

 

[Steve Dion]

Custom Dodgers are worth the extra bucks!

Custom dodgers are worth the extra bucks, if you purchase it from someone that know what they are doing. Have a zipper sewn into the trailing edge and you attach a fly that will cover much of the cockpit.When you are ready for your Bimini the dodger will be ready so you can connect the two pieces.I would also recommend a bimini with zippers so the entire canvas can be removed from the frame. If you get many of the off the shelf units, they are all sewn and you must disassemble the bimini frame to remove the canvas. This may become a problem once the frame is older. Do not let anyone talk you into an aluminum frame. It costs more for the stainless, but it will last longer and will be much more secure. PS: I think that they no longer sell dodgers on this website because they had so many problems with these "ready made" units. There are also some nice features you can incorporate into a custom dodger so you do not have tensioning straps and other items that get in the way.

 

[mamkt001]

We agree...

I'm going with a local business in the area that builds custom units. I've selected the 7/8 Stainless for the frame. If I had developed skills and more time I'd take a shot at the canvas work and do one or both pieces myself.

 

[Phil Herring]

My two cents

We've sold both biminis and dodgers from this site. After years of effort we dropped the dodgers. They can be tough to install, the tolerances are close, and the best of them are customized. A good designer will build it around the height of the helmsperson. All those grab rails are nice, and then you've got window sizes, materials, covers, etc. It's not a one size fits all accessory.Biminis are much easier. You determine height, coverage, and winch clearance. installation is pretty easy, too. In January we'll have a system that lets you design a custom bimini online with all the above parameters, coaming or rail mount, and accessory windows. I believe you can buy a bimini mail order with confidence; less so with dodgers.

 

[Anon]

dodger first then

a generic bimini www.websweeper.com/php/bimini_tops/bim-026.php the url to Ameri Brand products i purchasd this past summer and all is well , mine $300 for my 30' Seafarer yes in sunbrella graned it is Aluminum frame but I fold down thru the week when im away anyway , it has held up well sailing in 25k breezes so I havent a complaint . just my $.02

 

[larry w]

dodger v. bimini

IMHO, there is no either/or - it's both! In So. Cal. it can be cold in the Pacific Ocean wind, even in August, but the sun is ever-present, too. A custom-built dodger is an investment in your comfort and enjoyment. I don't know any woman, and few men, who enjoy sailing with the wind and spray on them ALL THE TIME. Everyone likes a little protection, except hard-core racers, which are another breed. Here in So. Cal. we can sail all winter, but it's very nice to be able to get behind a dodger. I leave my bimini up all the time, too, because it's very nice to have the shade. The bimini will usually attach to the dodger, making them a team.

 

[Paul Akers]

If You Order a Bimini, Get Zippers...

...on the side edges so that adding side curtains/windows will be easier for future add-ons. You won't be sorry based upon when you're from!

 

[mamkt001]

Side curtains are in the plan...

but are down the priority list even past Bimini and Dodger. We were quoted $1200 for a full set of side curtains.