The basic dodger would make our boat look bad. I would like to know if there are any sleeker looking versions of a dodger. We race our boat (Ben 36.7) and we could use the benefit of a dodger for ugly weather. Any photos of versions that would help keep the sleek lines of our boat. Thanks
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dodgers style
you do not want your dodger up when racing ( well beercan races maybe...) as they are tough to see around and have windage....BUT they are a must when you need to get the boat somewhere in bad,cold, rainy weather. I race a J105 and although we take the dodger off before the race, when I'm delivering the boat and it's nasty out, nothing beats sitting behind the dodger and using the autopilot.
you do not want your dodger up when racing ( well beercan races maybe...) as they are tough to see around and have windage....BUT they are a must when you need to get the boat somewhere in bad,cold, rainy weather. I race a J105 and although we take the dodger off before the race, when I'm delivering the boat and it's nasty out, nothing beats sitting behind the dodger and using the autopilot.
one more thing
oops, I forgot. Sunbrella makes a new materila with a multitude of different colors and designs. Try that. They also make a newer designed dodger with a lower height and style ( I worked at a Bene dealership and the canvas maker was using this new design last season) Mike C.
oops, I forgot. Sunbrella makes a new materila with a multitude of different colors and designs. Try that. They also make a newer designed dodger with a lower height and style ( I worked at a Bene dealership and the canvas maker was using this new design last season) Mike C.
Lower profile
I had a custom dodger made last year. Because it was custom I had it's hieght set so I could see over it as best as possible. This keeps the overall hieght of the setup down. You just have to be a little careful coming up from below. I would classify a dodger as safety equipment if you do any cruising in cooler climes, we are in New England. Our enjoyment of the boat went up once we added to dodger.
I had a custom dodger made last year. Because it was custom I had it's hieght set so I could see over it as best as possible. This keeps the overall hieght of the setup down. You just have to be a little careful coming up from below. I would classify a dodger as safety equipment if you do any cruising in cooler climes, we are in New England. Our enjoyment of the boat went up once we added to dodger.
Tula's Skipper:a comment
Peter: I am having a full enclosure done this spring (dodger, bimini, fly, side glass and screens). The guy doing the work is absolutely top of the line in his field. That said; I've never seen a better looking job than the one on your boat. That dodger with the leather trim is a work of art. Your boat is standing tall! I have sailed the last two years for ASA certs out of Bellingham and I've noticed that there lots of dodgers, but few, if any, full enclosures. Why is that when the full enclosure extends the season greatly? I'm pretty sure you don't have a problem with bugs but a 45 degree day in your area with rain would be doable and comfortable. Mike Caseville
Peter: I am having a full enclosure done this spring (dodger, bimini, fly, side glass and screens). The guy doing the work is absolutely top of the line in his field. That said; I've never seen a better looking job than the one on your boat. That dodger with the leather trim is a work of art. Your boat is standing tall! I have sailed the last two years for ASA certs out of Bellingham and I've noticed that there lots of dodgers, but few, if any, full enclosures. Why is that when the full enclosure extends the season greatly? I'm pretty sure you don't have a problem with bugs but a 45 degree day in your area with rain would be doable and comfortable. Mike Caseville
Check out pics at Iverson's Design site
Best dodgers in the northern hemisphere are from Iverson's Design. The guy is one of the nicest guys in the world and an amazing artist. In fact, he's won international awards for his work... Link below... matt
Best dodgers in the northern hemisphere are from Iverson's Design. The guy is one of the nicest guys in the world and an amazing artist. In fact, he's won international awards for his work... Link below... matt
Mike of Caseville
Mike, The rear end of my dodger and the leading edge of my bimini both have strong, full-length zippers. I can then zip a section with plexi windows in it to watch the mainsail from the cockpit. I do not however have a full enclosure, although my dodger and bmini are set up for the simple addition of sides. You have to be very careful with the design of the full enclosure as they more often than not, they look like some bulky greenhouse that certain herbal substances should be grown in. Still like to be connected to what is happening around the boat and do not want to be too comfortable. If I was to sail all year around I would add the rest of the enclosure. Thanks for your nice comments. Peter
Mike, The rear end of my dodger and the leading edge of my bimini both have strong, full-length zippers. I can then zip a section with plexi windows in it to watch the mainsail from the cockpit. I do not however have a full enclosure, although my dodger and bmini are set up for the simple addition of sides. You have to be very careful with the design of the full enclosure as they more often than not, they look like some bulky greenhouse that certain herbal substances should be grown in. Still like to be connected to what is happening around the boat and do not want to be too comfortable. If I was to sail all year around I would add the rest of the enclosure. Thanks for your nice comments. Peter
Tula's Skipper
Can I ask who made you dodger? We are also in Tsehum Harbour and are looking to have some canvas work done. David
Can I ask who made you dodger? We are also in Tsehum Harbour and are looking to have some canvas work done. David
Fold it
I reworked the bails on my old dodger last year so that they would truly fold down. I keep it off, it will go back on in ~5 minutes when needed, depending on the day. They're a God-send in foul weather or a cool night on the hook. I hate the look of the boat w/dodger. Like a pickup with a cap, only worse. Picadillos, we've all got them.
I reworked the bails on my old dodger last year so that they would truly fold down. I keep it off, it will go back on in ~5 minutes when needed, depending on the day. They're a God-send in foul weather or a cool night on the hook. I hate the look of the boat w/dodger. Like a pickup with a cap, only worse. Picadillos, we've all got them.
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