I haven't been sailing for very long, and I don't want to appear to stupid. However I have been reading quite a bit to get myself more familar with the terminology of sail boats. I have not come up with a definition for a dodger. Can someone please enlighten me. Thanks
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Dodger
Dodger is the protective - usually canvas, but it can be "hard" - that protects the compainionway and part of the cockpit. Below is a link I found with the pictures at the top showing a dodger (over the companionway) and a Bimini (over the cockpit).
Dodger is the protective - usually canvas, but it can be "hard" - that protects the compainionway and part of the cockpit. Below is a link I found with the pictures at the top showing a dodger (over the companionway) and a Bimini (over the cockpit).
It's a good question
A dodger is a fixed cover that goes over the companion way. It is raised about 2-3 feet above the companion way so you can go in and out of the cabin without having to move it. It's purpose is to provide protection of the companion way during a storm without having to close it. Another benifit is that is gives one a protection from wind while sailing without having to go below....sometimes that's a welcome feature. Some are only as wide as the companion way...some are the width of the cockpit.
A dodger is a fixed cover that goes over the companion way. It is raised about 2-3 feet above the companion way so you can go in and out of the cabin without having to move it. It's purpose is to provide protection of the companion way during a storm without having to close it. Another benifit is that is gives one a protection from wind while sailing without having to go below....sometimes that's a welcome feature. Some are only as wide as the companion way...some are the width of the cockpit.
Dodger
Anchorman, This is the right place to ask all questions about your boat and sailing in general. A dodger is there to protect the helmsman when at sea and allow protection from the elements for the open companionway. It is normally made of a frame (aluminium or Stainless) covered by cloth (often Sunbrella) with some clear plastic covered openings. Some companies offer hard, permanently mounted dodger. In nice weather a fabric dodger can be folded to enjoy the wind and sun. Here is a picture of the dodger on our sailboat, just behind the solar panels.
Anchorman, This is the right place to ask all questions about your boat and sailing in general. A dodger is there to protect the helmsman when at sea and allow protection from the elements for the open companionway. It is normally made of a frame (aluminium or Stainless) covered by cloth (often Sunbrella) with some clear plastic covered openings. Some companies offer hard, permanently mounted dodger. In nice weather a fabric dodger can be folded to enjoy the wind and sun. Here is a picture of the dodger on our sailboat, just behind the solar panels.
what it is...is
a cover, either, fabric (usually sunbrella), fiberglass or metal with forward and side windows mounted on the coach roof and covering the companionway opening just aft of the coach roof into the cockpit area. what it amounts to is the equivalent of a windshield on a power boat or a car. Basically it will keep spray and splashed water coming over the weather side of the boat while under sail or under power and driving into or abeam of the waves. It is often a stand alone unit but it can be combined with a bimini, side curtains, center fly and aft curtains to enclose the cockpit. You can spend a little money on one, relatively speaking or a great deal depending on the material used and how total a cover you need/want for the cockpit. For example: Island Nautical has ready made ones for most boat makes and they run about a thousand bucks complete with frame. These are self-installed kits. Or you can go to a custom builder and spend a lot more and have him install it professionally. Go out to the marinas this summer and look around at the various options and talk to the owners. Most will give you the "scoop" on the equipment they have and how well they like it or don't like it. Happy Hunting, Mike
a cover, either, fabric (usually sunbrella), fiberglass or metal with forward and side windows mounted on the coach roof and covering the companionway opening just aft of the coach roof into the cockpit area. what it amounts to is the equivalent of a windshield on a power boat or a car. Basically it will keep spray and splashed water coming over the weather side of the boat while under sail or under power and driving into or abeam of the waves. It is often a stand alone unit but it can be combined with a bimini, side curtains, center fly and aft curtains to enclose the cockpit. You can spend a little money on one, relatively speaking or a great deal depending on the material used and how total a cover you need/want for the cockpit. For example: Island Nautical has ready made ones for most boat makes and they run about a thousand bucks complete with frame. These are self-installed kits. Or you can go to a custom builder and spend a lot more and have him install it professionally. Go out to the marinas this summer and look around at the various options and talk to the owners. Most will give you the "scoop" on the equipment they have and how well they like it or don't like it. Happy Hunting, Mike
Dodger is a person
like the guy you loaned your boat to for a week of cruising who is not "available" to help you with bottom painting. Claude, your boom seems over enginered!
like the guy you loaned your boat to for a week of cruising who is not "available" to help you with bottom painting. Claude, your boom seems over enginered!
Dodger
As Claude said, this is the place to ask your questions. Here is a link for marine definitions: http://www.marisafe.com/resources/boatdictionary.asp?vmcid=41&vmpid=16
As Claude said, this is the place to ask your questions. Here is a link for marine definitions: http://www.marisafe.com/resources/boatdictionary.asp?vmcid=41&vmpid=16
Larger question
Is the use of dodgers. Here in Virginia they seem superflous, but perhaps in Michigan they're good for getting out of the wind when it's chilly. Myself, I prefer a clean view over the boat without a windshield in the way.
Is the use of dodgers. Here in Virginia they seem superflous, but perhaps in Michigan they're good for getting out of the wind when it's chilly. Myself, I prefer a clean view over the boat without a windshield in the way.
Dry spot
My dodger ties with the Bimini top and creates a nice dry spot from the breaking waves. This is nice during the first sail in the spring and the last in the fall when water temps are cold.
My dodger ties with the Bimini top and creates a nice dry spot from the breaking waves. This is nice during the first sail in the spring and the last in the fall when water temps are cold.
Claude's Boom
Scott, dont' know if that was said tounge in cheek, but I think that's his mast. Looks like a couple of spreaders there...
Scott, dont' know if that was said tounge in cheek, but I think that's his mast. Looks like a couple of spreaders there...
Looks like claude's
sitting at a lock somewhere I'd be interested to hear about his solar arrangement Ken.
sitting at a lock somewhere I'd be interested to hear about his solar arrangement Ken.
No Question too Small, A-man
I thought a Dodger was a Los Angeles baseball team… I believe in Britain the term is "spray hood."
I thought a Dodger was a Los Angeles baseball team… I believe in Britain the term is "spray hood."
Claude's boom spreaders
I think that, once Claude decided to have his big solar panels on the cabin top, he had to find a foolproof way to protect them from the threat of dropping the mainsail right on top. Since lazyjack or dutchman flaking system lines on occasion are unable to hold a heavy (wet?) sail, the welded-on spreader approach has something to say for it. Hope I am right and he may be willing to tell us how well this arrangement has worked for him. Have fun! Flying Dutchman
I think that, once Claude decided to have his big solar panels on the cabin top, he had to find a foolproof way to protect them from the threat of dropping the mainsail right on top. Since lazyjack or dutchman flaking system lines on occasion are unable to hold a heavy (wet?) sail, the welded-on spreader approach has something to say for it. Hope I am right and he may be willing to tell us how well this arrangement has worked for him. Have fun! Flying Dutchman
Boom and solar panels
Kendall is right. Our boat is sitting at a lock on the Champlain canal with the mast down. We took our boat from Lake Champlain NY to Maine and back last summer . 8 weeks sailing in the most beautifull weather. Around 1 500 nautical milles. Leaving Lake Champlain you must take the mast down for the 11 locks and numerous bridge on the Champlain canal. We have 3 X 55 watts seimens solar panels mounted over the companionway with a regulator. These can be connected either to the start battery (one group 31) or the house bank (4 X group 31 for 440 amps). I know it is not an ideal location for solar panels but the arch was too expensive. On a sunny day these panels will give 7 amps per hour or average of around 40 to 50 amps per day total. This represent 50% of our normal consumption. The fridge is by far the biggest user consuming around 60 to 70 amps per 24 hours. I also installed before our trip, a Yanmar stock 115 amps alternator, direct bolt on available for 415$ from Mack Boring (Balmar is probably better but over 1 000$ with external regulator). I had absolutely no problems during our trip or for the installation. In 8 weeks, I was hooked to shore power only 3 or 4 nights. My batteries are flodded type, 5 years old and are still in good shape. One of the thing one must be carefull with the 35.5 when lowering the mast : the mast exceed the bow by about 12 feet and the transom by around 8 feet. Here is another picture. A slow and careful approach is needed in the locks.
Kendall is right. Our boat is sitting at a lock on the Champlain canal with the mast down. We took our boat from Lake Champlain NY to Maine and back last summer . 8 weeks sailing in the most beautifull weather. Around 1 500 nautical milles. Leaving Lake Champlain you must take the mast down for the 11 locks and numerous bridge on the Champlain canal. We have 3 X 55 watts seimens solar panels mounted over the companionway with a regulator. These can be connected either to the start battery (one group 31) or the house bank (4 X group 31 for 440 amps). I know it is not an ideal location for solar panels but the arch was too expensive. On a sunny day these panels will give 7 amps per hour or average of around 40 to 50 amps per day total. This represent 50% of our normal consumption. The fridge is by far the biggest user consuming around 60 to 70 amps per 24 hours. I also installed before our trip, a Yanmar stock 115 amps alternator, direct bolt on available for 415$ from Mack Boring (Balmar is probably better but over 1 000$ with external regulator). I had absolutely no problems during our trip or for the installation. In 8 weeks, I was hooked to shore power only 3 or 4 nights. My batteries are flodded type, 5 years old and are still in good shape. One of the thing one must be carefull with the 35.5 when lowering the mast : the mast exceed the bow by about 12 feet and the transom by around 8 feet. Here is another picture. A slow and careful approach is needed in the locks.
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