I am looking on having a dodger added to my boat and there seems to be two options. Some dodgers are fixed and some can be folded so you can enjoy the nice weather when it is nice. Not much of that type of weather these days. I have also seen some dodgers where you can zip out the front panels during nice weather. Any opinions or pros and cons of the two types.
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Ron
Dodger -some pros and cons
I have a fixed dodger that came with my boat. You can unzip the front panel to let a breeze through. The folding type has the advantage of doing just that. Some people like to fold them up when not on the boat to add some years to the life of the canvas. They are also a great gathering spot for spiders and anything else looking for protection....another reason to fold it away. The only negative I can think of is poor visibility. You find yourself looking around and over it particularly while docking.
I have a fixed dodger that came with my boat. You can unzip the front panel to let a breeze through. The folding type has the advantage of doing just that. Some people like to fold them up when not on the boat to add some years to the life of the canvas. They are also a great gathering spot for spiders and anything else looking for protection....another reason to fold it away. The only negative I can think of is poor visibility. You find yourself looking around and over it particularly while docking.
Do Both
My dodger has both options and its great to open the front window to be able to fold the whole dodger when is nice and if weather turns bad just fold it back up which has happen to me many times. nick If the photo doesn't work and I don't understand why not, look under 290 owners list.
My dodger has both options and its great to open the front window to be able to fold the whole dodger when is nice and if weather turns bad just fold it back up which has happen to me many times. nick If the photo doesn't work and I don't understand why not, look under 290 owners list.
A
agolden
Do Both
I have a folding, dodger that stays up all summer but has a roll-up center widnow that allows for more air in the cockpit when at the dock or anchorage. I also went with full fabric removable sides to the dodge. Some choose to have fixed windows in their side sections. Here again, I pull mine off during the summer to allow for more air in the cockpit. Then for winter storage, I remove the the dodger fabric, carefully folding it up with paper in between the glass areas (it protects the glass), and store it below on the v-berth.
I have a folding, dodger that stays up all summer but has a roll-up center widnow that allows for more air in the cockpit when at the dock or anchorage. I also went with full fabric removable sides to the dodge. Some choose to have fixed windows in their side sections. Here again, I pull mine off during the summer to allow for more air in the cockpit. Then for winter storage, I remove the the dodger fabric, carefully folding it up with paper in between the glass areas (it protects the glass), and store it below on the v-berth.
Zip out windows.
Tom: I would suggest that you make all the windows so they can be zipped out. We actually have a set of sun screen windows that we zip in. I gets VERY warm under a dodger with plastic in place (hot house effect). Most of the time you only have straps supporting the aft of the dodger if it is a fold down model. If you can remove all the windows you just end up with a mini bimini over the companionway. I also suggest that you have hand holds on the top/side to grab when going forward or aft. What model of boat do you have?
Tom: I would suggest that you make all the windows so they can be zipped out. We actually have a set of sun screen windows that we zip in. I gets VERY warm under a dodger with plastic in place (hot house effect). Most of the time you only have straps supporting the aft of the dodger if it is a fold down model. If you can remove all the windows you just end up with a mini bimini over the companionway. I also suggest that you have hand holds on the top/side to grab when going forward or aft. What model of boat do you have?
Previous posters offer good advice. A Dodger can add a lot a effective projected area (windage) to a boat’s profile, so it would be preferable to be able to fold or remove it in case of storm winds. Unfortunately, most installers fasten the Dodger with a couple of “tapping screws” on each knuckle (hinge) fitting. These should be through-bolted, as should the Strap tie-down fittings. Canvas snaps can be srewed in. All fasteners should be epoxy bedded. The 7/8" diameter Stainless Steel heavy-wall (NOT Aluminum, even though half the price) Bow Frames should have external side handles (as previously recommended), and perhaps an aft hand rail. The front ‘Window” (& sides) should be zippered to roll away or out. All chafe/stress points should be reinforced (leather ‘oxhide’), including the aft bow frame (where your chin rests when looking over the dodger). Some on-line references: : Good Old Boat “Get a grip: Improve your dodger” @ http://www.boatus.com/goodoldboat/dodger.htm “Dodger? Rodger!” by Ron Chappell @ http://www.perfectpocketyacht.com/dodger.html Practical Sailor “Awnings, Dodgers, Custom Canvaswork“ @ http://www.practical-sailor.com/newspics/charts/914awnings.pdf Sailrite “COMPANIONWAY DODGERS” http://www.sailrite.com/PDF/dodger.pdf Boats.com “The case for the hard dodger “ @ http://www.boats.com/boat-articles/Boat+Reviews-103/Rigid+Benefits/1052.html FWIW Gord
T
Tom
Thanks for all the information.
Thanks for all the information! I think I have a good idea of what to get now. Steve, I have a Beneteau 361. Gord, Great sites!
Thanks for all the information! I think I have a good idea of what to get now. Steve, I have a Beneteau 361. Gord, Great sites!
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