Hi all, I just got a quote for having a dodger installed on my 83 Catalina 30. The quote is for $1600 for installation which icludes 1" stainless steel tubing, 40 gauge vinyl windows, sunbrella covers and reinforcements where necessary. Does this sound about right? I've seen the dodgers at the chandelry here for $1100 and wonder if a custom installation is worth the extra $500. Any opinions or exerience anyone has on the matter would be appreciated. Thanks ron p
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J. Styrlander
Custom Dodger
I have a very nice catalog ordered dodger, connector, and bimini for my C30. It came with the boat. It covers the subject. I have to remove the canvas from the dodger to operate the traveler when I collapse the dodger for a nice unobstructed forward view. I had a custom bimini made for my last boat and it covered more area than catalog ordered biminis. I met the provider at the boat and we discussed various options before he started making the product. Bottom line is little things can be customized that make the end product better than catalog bought.
I have a very nice catalog ordered dodger, connector, and bimini for my C30. It came with the boat. It covers the subject. I have to remove the canvas from the dodger to operate the traveler when I collapse the dodger for a nice unobstructed forward view. I had a custom bimini made for my last boat and it covered more area than catalog ordered biminis. I met the provider at the boat and we discussed various options before he started making the product. Bottom line is little things can be customized that make the end product better than catalog bought.
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James
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roger marshutz
dodger
when we bought our 310 a year ago we bought the dodger through the dealer for $1600. I did another estimate and the price was the same. I don't believe the dealer to a %. Check sail net.com
when we bought our 310 a year ago we bought the dodger through the dealer for $1600. I did another estimate and the price was the same. I don't believe the dealer to a %. Check sail net.com
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Bob Camarena
San Diego should be easy re: comps
I would do some checking around your marina or club if you belong to one. It shouldn't take too long for you to figure out who does the best work and at what price. In my opinion, many dodgers are made too tall and boxy to look that good on a boat the size of a C-30. Mine is a little lower than most. I'm about 5'11" and can see over the top while standing at the helm. There's plenty of sitting head room. I like this a lot better than having to look through the window all the time while at the helm. I also think the lower profile blends better with the lines of the boat. Another suggestion: When I had my dodger canvas replaced last year, I had them make a full cover for the dodger as opposed to the individual snap-on window covers. A single cover protects the top, sides and front. The full cover will take the brunt of the sun and weather since dock time is significantly greater than sailing time. I estimate that it should at least double the life of my dodger. It didn't even add to the cost, since the extra fabric cost was offset by less labor cost.
I would do some checking around your marina or club if you belong to one. It shouldn't take too long for you to figure out who does the best work and at what price. In my opinion, many dodgers are made too tall and boxy to look that good on a boat the size of a C-30. Mine is a little lower than most. I'm about 5'11" and can see over the top while standing at the helm. There's plenty of sitting head room. I like this a lot better than having to look through the window all the time while at the helm. I also think the lower profile blends better with the lines of the boat. Another suggestion: When I had my dodger canvas replaced last year, I had them make a full cover for the dodger as opposed to the individual snap-on window covers. A single cover protects the top, sides and front. The full cover will take the brunt of the sun and weather since dock time is significantly greater than sailing time. I estimate that it should at least double the life of my dodger. It didn't even add to the cost, since the extra fabric cost was offset by less labor cost.
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Ryan
No to custom. Check around.
I got a "custom" dodger when I bought my boat as a dealer added extra. It is a 1986 C27 that I bought this spring. I paid $1500 for a custom dodger. My custom dodger still interferes with winches, both cabin top and jib. The window interferes with the mainhalyard rope clutch. I can't sail with the sides unrolled as they are touching the jib winches making it very difficult to wrap the rope around it. Also when they installed it they did not through-bolt the stands even though I specifically requested this. I will have to redo this on my own anyways. The front window is not cut so that any of the mainsail controls can be adjusted with the front window zipped in place. I can't zip the bottom of the front panel without taking off the piece of canvas going over the companionway and then to put it back on takes 2 of us. One to push the window and one to pull on the canvas to stretch it back to the snaps. It also took 5 months to get it made. At 5 months it was definetely a rush job as nothing was done on the boat for 4 months until I started stopping in to bug them a couple of times a week. It shows that no attention was paid at all to the boat or setup when fitting it. No, I don't think a custom dodger is necesarily worth the money. No, I wouldn't go back to the canvas shop that made the one I have. I probably would not go back to the broker who sold me the boat as he seemed to help little in getting the situation resolved and since I did not have control over the money going to the canvas shop there was little I could do. I definetely think I could have gotten a better deal and probably better fitting dodger elsewhere. Ryan
I got a "custom" dodger when I bought my boat as a dealer added extra. It is a 1986 C27 that I bought this spring. I paid $1500 for a custom dodger. My custom dodger still interferes with winches, both cabin top and jib. The window interferes with the mainhalyard rope clutch. I can't sail with the sides unrolled as they are touching the jib winches making it very difficult to wrap the rope around it. Also when they installed it they did not through-bolt the stands even though I specifically requested this. I will have to redo this on my own anyways. The front window is not cut so that any of the mainsail controls can be adjusted with the front window zipped in place. I can't zip the bottom of the front panel without taking off the piece of canvas going over the companionway and then to put it back on takes 2 of us. One to push the window and one to pull on the canvas to stretch it back to the snaps. It also took 5 months to get it made. At 5 months it was definetely a rush job as nothing was done on the boat for 4 months until I started stopping in to bug them a couple of times a week. It shows that no attention was paid at all to the boat or setup when fitting it. No, I don't think a custom dodger is necesarily worth the money. No, I wouldn't go back to the canvas shop that made the one I have. I probably would not go back to the broker who sold me the boat as he seemed to help little in getting the situation resolved and since I did not have control over the money going to the canvas shop there was little I could do. I definetely think I could have gotten a better deal and probably better fitting dodger elsewhere. Ryan
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Ron P
Kind of What I thought....
From what I see it looks like I'd do better to hold off and keep looking. Also some great advice as far as things to consider when getting it. I've been told that a dodger is very useful here in San Diego during the winter months so I'll keep looking and asking. Thanks to everyone for their comments. This website continues to be a great source of info. Good Sailing!!! ron
From what I see it looks like I'd do better to hold off and keep looking. Also some great advice as far as things to consider when getting it. I've been told that a dodger is very useful here in San Diego during the winter months so I'll keep looking and asking. Thanks to everyone for their comments. This website continues to be a great source of info. Good Sailing!!! ron
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Al
dodgers
i would suggest you get a "SAILRITE" catalog it might be time for you to try your hand at constructing your own dodger. they have kits,and materials and help to assemble your own www.sailrite.com
i would suggest you get a "SAILRITE" catalog it might be time for you to try your hand at constructing your own dodger. they have kits,and materials and help to assemble your own www.sailrite.com
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