Need new dodger...any recommendations

[Alvorada]

OK, so we thought we just needed a new clear glass panel fixed but the canvas shop that looked at our boat said we only have a year left on the dodger. We have two children and find that the dodger provides better shade than the bimini so going without (although my preference) the wife will not allow. We are in Friendship, Maryland (Chesapeake Bay and 1/2 hour away from Annapolis by car) and are looking for any recommendations for a canvas shop for a new dodger. The quote we got was 3K (which seems high to us). Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Alex Dare]

I'd call Rob at North Sails Chesapeake. He should be able to reuse your existing framing saving you some $$.
He does very nice work and is based here in Annapolis.

 

[Ron20324]

I was just at the Annpolis Sailrite store this morning. Manager Dan has a good way to do a dodger. I am presently making mine this way, and it's a real nice idea- and easy. You could probably do it on a home machine.

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Don’t Replace Your Worn out Dodger with Another Dodger​

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Arguably, the single most complex piece of canvas to fabricate on a boat is the dodger. It has multiple compound curves, and if it does not fit perfectly, it looks just horrible. Additionally, the various clear panels must attach to the boat in such a way that they are wrinkle free.

Some have suggested using the old dodger as a pattern and simply copying what is there. That idea appears sound, but I have seldom found successes when this is attempted. Usually, the old dodger is not in perfect condition. It may have stretched or, more likely, one or more of the clear plastic panels has torn. That makes it very hard to determine what the original shape was, and with dodgers, even a ¼” error can result in wrinkles or a sloppy fit.

There is a viable alternative to patterning and fabricating a new dodger from scratch. Instead of building a dodger, build a mini bimini instead. Use your existing bows to pattern and create a ”roof” just as you would when constructing a bimini. You will need webbing straps to support this structure both from the front and the back, whereas you only needed straps in the back of the dodger, or perhaps not at all.

Once the “roof” is constructed, you can go ahead and fabricate a windshield and side panels. The difference is that these will zip into the edges of the “roof” as opposed to being sewn in. Start by finishing the tops of all zippered in panels, leaving excess “glass” or fabric on the sides and bottoms. Once they are zipped onto the “roof”, it will be relatively easy to determine where to cut the side edges. Finish the sides of all panels and zip them in place. You will be pleasantly surprised to find out how easy it is to accurately fit the bottoms. If you want a good weather seal, try using our new 102187 (black) or 102188 (white) weather stripping. As a last step, install the mechanical fasteners of your choice to secure the bottom edges of the zip in panels.

Aside from ease in construction, there are a couple of other advantages to this “non-dodger” approach to building a dodger. If you mess up on something, the cost of creating a corrected piece is much smaller because you are working with smaller pieces. You now have the option of completely removing the “glass” pieces and storing them. This is a real blessing in July and August when you are caught out in light air. You may even find that you can actually breathe! Lastly, because your “glass” pieces will probably spend more time in storage than on the boat, they will last many times longer.

 

[Alvorada]

Thanks

Thank you both for the recommendations.

 

[Gunni]

Alvorado: Talk to Chris Ford at Yacht Canvas Inc. on Edgewood Rd. (Eastport) He is in the small shop complex just before you get to Bert Jabins (neighbor to Kato Marine). Of all the canvas work I've ever seen, Ford and his crew do the best work. They are perfectionists. You will get your money's worth.

 

[Ron20324]

Hi Ron -​

I have used Christopher Ford Yacht Canvas. He did my original 331 bimini and also some repairs after a storm. He does a lot of Beneteaus, so may be good because may already have the dimensions. He's on Edgewwood Rd. ​

Christy​

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

Hi Alvorada

I have just replaced my aging dodger, the s/s frame was good so only had to have the cover made, I went for the best quality tinted clear available and used a product called boat hooding. the hooding when wet gets very tight and mine has not leaked, other product I have found tend to loosen when wet.
I am in Australia so do not know how cost compare in the US but mine cost me $1,000 and it is a brilliant fit. I recently looked at a factory made dodger and I though it was of poor quality and fitting. Hope this helps some what.

 

[Alvorada]

Thanks to everyone...the input is invaluable...