H340 New 'Dodger' Ideas please

[markymac1961]

Ahoy from 'Down Under.'
My '99 build H340 is about to get a 'Dodger'... (that's what we call them down here anyway.)
It will be professionally custom made, and I'm looking for ideas please... hopefully with pics.
I don't wish to fully enclose the cockpit with clears. Thinking three clear panels across top of coach house covering the section between front of Bimini, extending down to the deck panel.
Existing Bimini has a Zipper strip right across the leading edge, so guessing previous owner had something there before.
Ideally I'd like it fully, (and easily) removable. These things create a lot of windage and sometimes I like to go fast, (albeit wet!) in some local club racing. Love to hear, and see, what you folks have come up with.
Thanks in advance. Mark Mac - SV 'Chummy' - QLD OZtraya.

 

[shemandr]

I'm looking at your instruments and think the dodger has to go in front of them. That seems like a bit far forward and you may encroach on the vang. Folding it forward as is often done, may not be possible. You may have to make it removable. I'v sailed on boats where that was an easy job and some not. Quick release pins are your friend. Fancy rope work is not.
Consider the height of the dodger. Do you want to look over it or through it when you are at the helm? What about others who may drive the boat? The height also figures in your access to the companionway. Too low and and you may have to perform Tai Chi to get into the cabin. Have this conversation with your fabricator.
The next thing is access to and from the cockpit. You should be able to go around it without undue contortions and with safety. I highly recommend handholds be part of the frame and that the frame be robust enough to handle them. People are going to grab the dodger anyway. It might as well be designed for it.
Use a good grade of "Glass." Cheap plastic scratches more easily and turns cloudy.
Try to design it so the with it up you can still make a full rotation on a winch, with a winch handle without skinning your knuckles.
All dodgers are a compromise. But being able to have the companionway open and even the slider open in inclement weather makes time aboard way more pleasant. And then there's the shade.

 

[JBP-PA]

Existing Bimini has a Zipper strip right across the leading edge, so guessing previous owner had something there before.
Ideally I'd like it fully, (and easily) removable.

I have some canvas that zips to the bimini and dodger. It's nice when it's raining, but I can't saill with it because it blocks the main sheet.

These link to pics in a similar thread.

Aft sun shade to use while sailing? (DIY) C-22

This fabric is a little thinner than SunBrella, but much cheaper. I use it to make lots of things. I'd make a Bimini out of it, at least as a prototype. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017J8IJTY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title That fabric looks pretty good for prototype projects...

forums.sailboatowners.com

Aft sun shade to use while sailing? (DIY) C-22

This fabric is a little thinner than SunBrella, but much cheaper. I use it to make lots of things. I'd make a Bimini out of it, at least as a prototype. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017J8IJTY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title That fabric looks pretty good for prototype projects...

forums.sailboatowners.com

 

[Stu Jackson]

Dodger Ideas: (please click on the links, too, lots of discussion and ideas)

Dodgers & Canvas 101 thanks to Maine Sail

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8640.msg61526.html#msg61526

Dodger Height 101 with Pictures and Links

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7161.0.html

 

[jssailem]

Iverson Designs builds a great dodger here in the Pacific Northwest.

Custom Dodgers Built by Iverson's Designs

Iverson's Design Incorporated is the industries leader in custom design and manufacturing of fine quality canvas dodgers, bimini's, and enclosure's for sailboats of all makes and styles. Servicing the entire west coast including Washington, Oregon, California.

www.iversonsdesign.com