I've been shopping for a dodger, was ready to pull the trigger, and now I'm having doubts that it's worth the cost ($1450-1550). I get to spend about 50-60 days a year aboard my boat, about half of those for the night. I'm not always sailing. Plenty of times at the slip doing maintainance. Probably 50/50. I was looking on this site as well as Yachtworld to get an idea of what a dodger would look like on the 34 and frankly it seemed like a lot of 34's don't have dodgers. Biminis yes. Dodgers, definitely less than half. I'd be interested in why you do or don't have a dodger. If you do was it worth the cost for the benefit gained? Thanks, Joe
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Don't bother
I sail a Hunter 29.5 on the York River in the lower Chesapeake. Probably once out of 100 days a year I could use a dodger, but even then I'm doubtful. It's only good for someone huddled under it, which isn't possible if you're running the boat manually. If you're dressed properly you can enjoy brisk sail in March or November without a dodger. I also think it would obstruct your vision. Plus you have to wax around the attachment points. The chief benefit would be for the huddling crew, so ask your spouse or crew for their opinion.
I sail a Hunter 29.5 on the York River in the lower Chesapeake. Probably once out of 100 days a year I could use a dodger, but even then I'm doubtful. It's only good for someone huddled under it, which isn't possible if you're running the boat manually. If you're dressed properly you can enjoy brisk sail in March or November without a dodger. I also think it would obstruct your vision. Plus you have to wax around the attachment points. The chief benefit would be for the huddling crew, so ask your spouse or crew for their opinion.
Wouldn't be without it
Having a dodger that is connected to the bimini allows me to open the companionway sliding hatch in the rain without getting water inside the boat. It really helps extend the living area of the boat into the cockpit. If I got a new boat, the first thing I would add to it would be a dodger and bimini. The center of the windshield area zips out of my dodger allowing lots of air circulation on warm days, so I have the best of both worlds.
Having a dodger that is connected to the bimini allows me to open the companionway sliding hatch in the rain without getting water inside the boat. It really helps extend the living area of the boat into the cockpit. If I got a new boat, the first thing I would add to it would be a dodger and bimini. The center of the windshield area zips out of my dodger allowing lots of air circulation on warm days, so I have the best of both worlds.
Get One!
I sail in New England and need it for early and late season sailing. Keeping warm and dry is a good thing when you're sailing. I purchased one from Island Nautical at a boat show and installed it myself in 45 minutes. They have patterns in stock for most boats, whip it up in any color (3 weeks) and send it UPS for about $900
I sail in New England and need it for early and late season sailing. Keeping warm and dry is a good thing when you're sailing. I purchased one from Island Nautical at a boat show and installed it myself in 45 minutes. They have patterns in stock for most boats, whip it up in any color (3 weeks) and send it UPS for about $900
Go for it
Go for it. I am purchasing an H340 and the dodger that was on it was a plus. It will extend your sailing season by making those marginal days comfortable. Considering your investment, the dodger may extend your sailing season by 20%, which makes it an excellent investment.
Go for it. I am purchasing an H340 and the dodger that was on it was a plus. It will extend your sailing season by making those marginal days comfortable. Considering your investment, the dodger may extend your sailing season by 20%, which makes it an excellent investment.
Ditto again
Have had a dodger AND bimini for years. Would not have another boat without it. And the bimini is high enough that I can sail with it. I install a zipped-on clear plastic traverse between the dodger and the bimini and voila: dry cockpit. Call it ''sailing in the rain''
Have had a dodger AND bimini for years. Would not have another boat without it. And the bimini is high enough that I can sail with it. I install a zipped-on clear plastic traverse between the dodger and the bimini and voila: dry cockpit. Call it ''sailing in the rain''
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