Hi I am a new boat owner, I bought a 1978 Irwin center cockpit. I want to put on a dodger. who makes the best one for this boat. Also any input you people can give me on this boat would be appreciated. Thanks Jim
dodger
- Thread starter Jim22491
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Jim the best dodger...
The best dodger for your boat is going to be custom made. There are to many variables on boats to make a "quality" off the shelf dodger with a proper fit and and finish. Fit and finish is the number one most important factor in dodger longevity! Check with your local canvas maker and get a quote but first know what you want in features and options which are many. Here are some features to consider: Sunbrella or Stamoid Strataglass high quality windows or cheap Isenglass smoked/tinted windows or clear Stainless frame or cheap aluminum Heavy walled or thick walled stainless frame 304 or 316 stainless frame UV resistant Goretex thread or short lived cheap thread Welded grab rails window covers zip out front window or roll up window zip off side curtains snaps, twist locks or a luff tape type attachment system to the cabin top support struts to cockpit coaming view through or look over etc. etc. A properly done dodger is very, very labor intensive but will be worth the expense. Once you have a well done and designed dodger you'll achieve long lived results with it because you'll be able to leave it up 100% of the time, which prevents premature wear, because it was designed for you. Opening and collapsing a dodger is perhaps the worst thing you can do for it other than buying a poorly fitting dodger. A good dodger should be drum tight! Read this article about what goes into making of a good dodger. http://www.mobilecanvas.com/collins.html
The best dodger for your boat is going to be custom made. There are to many variables on boats to make a "quality" off the shelf dodger with a proper fit and and finish. Fit and finish is the number one most important factor in dodger longevity! Check with your local canvas maker and get a quote but first know what you want in features and options which are many. Here are some features to consider: Sunbrella or Stamoid Strataglass high quality windows or cheap Isenglass smoked/tinted windows or clear Stainless frame or cheap aluminum Heavy walled or thick walled stainless frame 304 or 316 stainless frame UV resistant Goretex thread or short lived cheap thread Welded grab rails window covers zip out front window or roll up window zip off side curtains snaps, twist locks or a luff tape type attachment system to the cabin top support struts to cockpit coaming view through or look over etc. etc. A properly done dodger is very, very labor intensive but will be worth the expense. Once you have a well done and designed dodger you'll achieve long lived results with it because you'll be able to leave it up 100% of the time, which prevents premature wear, because it was designed for you. Opening and collapsing a dodger is perhaps the worst thing you can do for it other than buying a poorly fitting dodger. A good dodger should be drum tight! Read this article about what goes into making of a good dodger. http://www.mobilecanvas.com/collins.html
check out about making a hard top dodger
check out about making a hard top dodger because the canvas ones seem to start to rip and fade.
check out about making a hard top dodger because the canvas ones seem to start to rip and fade.
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