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

 

[Terry Cox]

It will be professionally custom made, and I'm looking for ideas please... hopefully with pics.

Good morning, Mark. Here is a pic of our dodger/bimini that I really like. Dislike full enclosures, but this works great for year-around cruising.
The Bimini is removable, as is the dodger, if need be. But they remain up all the time for sun protection as well as foul weather.

 

[markymac1961]

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.

Thanks mate. Good points there cheers.

Good morning, Mark. Here is a pic of our dodger/bimini that I really like. Dislike full enclosures, but this works great for year-around cruising.
The Bimini is removable, as is the dodger, if need be. But they remain up all the time for sun protection as well as foul weather.

View attachment 240193

Love that thanks Terry. Looks perfect. Guessing it was custom-made? Also how does the Dodger base fix to the deck? I'm thinking of going with a bolt rope sewn into full length(s) of bottom edge, and those ally split 'tubes' screwed into deck. Down here in Aus we sometimes get a 'greeny' come right over the bow. The fixing needs to survive a gob full of water smacking it fair in the face (not too often I hope!!!... if so I'll turn around and go home!)

 

[Terry Cox]

Also how does the Dodger base fix to the deck?

Hi Mark. The canvas shop that made the dodger used these (they gave me the choice) to fasten the base to the coach roof: Twist Stud with 2 Hole Screw Base, 2-Pack | West Marine

Prefer these to snaps. Stronger holding.

 

[markymac1961]

Hi Mark. The canvas shop that made the dodger used these (they gave me the choice) to fasten the base to the coach roof: Twist Stud with 2 Hole Screw Base, 2-Pack | West Marine

Prefer these to snaps. Stronger holding.

Yep I've seen them. They look pretty solid.

 

[danstanford]

I have always wanted a dodger that could fold flat forward out of the way and then pop back up when I needed it. I have seen some large yachts with a relief area for that to happen but none of my boats would let it happen due to all the lines routed from the mast to the clutches on either side of the companionway.

It would be cool though!

 

[Stu Jackson]

A couple of other observations:

Side handrails should be a requirement, not just an option. They are a safety issue. Get them.

My dodger builder made it so that each section, front and side, could zipper out, so that when, not if, a section of glazing deteriorated ro got whacked, I could just remove that section to get it fixed. Great detail.

Carefully investigate the design of the tubing. My dodger's tubing "made sense" whereas I've seen too many others that didn't. Take a look at the photos in the links I sent earlier to see. My tubing was such that it blended in with the "corners' of the dodger and never got in the way, visually or functionally.

 

[JBP-PA]

I have always wanted a dodger that could fold flat forward out of the way and then pop back up when I needed it. I have seen some large yachts with a relief area for that to happen but none of my boats would let it happen due to all the lines routed from the mast to the clutches on either side of the companionway.

It would be cool though!

If I unsnap the aft most 3 snaps, up to the pivot, mine folds forward. It is convenient, I normally leave it down while sailing, but put it up at the dock for shade or rain protection. It's hard on the strataglass if I'm not carful, it gets folded.