I am buying a new dodger/bimini this year. I think I will get a high profile dodger. Although I think the low profile looks better I don't want to bend down to enter the main cabin. I will also have a removable center window for those hot days that you need the extra breeze. I am going to move my traveler camlocks off from the traveler to under the dodger - I am just not sure exactly where I will put them. Others have suggested to place them on the very aft end of the cabin top. If I do that I will have to use a fairlead to angle the line a bit. The bimini will collapsable, again for those days where I want to be in the sun. I will also have a window on the top of the bimini so that I can see the windex. Finally I am adding a connector to bridge the dodger to the bimini. I am using Sunbrella fabric. What else should I be aware of? What am I forgetting?
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Island Nautical
Look them up. The have patterns on the computer for most vessels and can deliver any Sunbrella color to fit you boat in about three weeks. Unless you want pricey custom work look them up i City Island NY
Look them up. The have patterns on the computer for most vessels and can deliver any Sunbrella color to fit you boat in about three weeks. Unless you want pricey custom work look them up i City Island NY
Dodger side panels
Spend a little more and get removable side panels on the dodger. On the first hot day you'll be glad you did. Also get them to make sun covers for the eisenglass (sp?). The covers will prolong the life of the glass and more than pay for themselves. One other suggestion is to get grab bars for the sides of the dodger. Not sure what kind of conditions you sail in but you'll appreciate them the first time you have to go forward in a good blow. We didn't get them and wish we had.
Spend a little more and get removable side panels on the dodger. On the first hot day you'll be glad you did. Also get them to make sun covers for the eisenglass (sp?). The covers will prolong the life of the glass and more than pay for themselves. One other suggestion is to get grab bars for the sides of the dodger. Not sure what kind of conditions you sail in but you'll appreciate them the first time you have to go forward in a good blow. We didn't get them and wish we had.
Here's a post..
Here's a post I wrote about things to consider when purchasing a dodger. Ignore the parts about pricing.. Unfortunately, Phil does not yet allow multiple photos in one post so I'm just going to link you to it because it has a bunch of photos.. Things To Consider When Purchasing a Dodger:
Here's a post I wrote about things to consider when purchasing a dodger. Ignore the parts about pricing.. Unfortunately, Phil does not yet allow multiple photos in one post so I'm just going to link you to it because it has a bunch of photos.. Things To Consider When Purchasing a Dodger:
I'm going to state an opinion...
But, why not just buy a motor sailer? These dodger thingies take away the aesthetic beauty of the natural lines of the boat. I personally do not like them. They are ugly! A bimini is needed to protect one from the sun beating down. Good luck finding what you are looking for.
But, why not just buy a motor sailer? These dodger thingies take away the aesthetic beauty of the natural lines of the boat. I personally do not like them. They are ugly! A bimini is needed to protect one from the sun beating down. Good luck finding what you are looking for.
I disagree with Brian
Dodgers are not ugly and they are quite functional. A dodger is a great thing to have when you are sailing in the early season and you are in some weather. It is really nice to have something to protect you from getting cold salt water in your lap. The other nice advantage is that you can leave your companionway open when it rains.
Dodgers are not ugly and they are quite functional. A dodger is a great thing to have when you are sailing in the early season and you are in some weather. It is really nice to have something to protect you from getting cold salt water in your lap. The other nice advantage is that you can leave your companionway open when it rains.
Brian its why convertible cars are nice in S. Cal
Do you have a nice car with nice seats? Well, torch off the top, discard the windshield,wait for a 45 degree day when it is pouring rain, grab a lady you really care about, hop on the I-5 and drive north at 10mph to Malibu and back.(just kid n ya for fun here)
Do you have a nice car with nice seats? Well, torch off the top, discard the windshield,wait for a 45 degree day when it is pouring rain, grab a lady you really care about, hop on the I-5 and drive north at 10mph to Malibu and back.(just kid n ya for fun here)
Thanks for the suggestions & opinions
In my opinion it is a question of aesthetics vs. comfort. If I lived in San Diego I probably would not have a dodger. Most, not all, boats look better w/o one. I think this is especially true with smaller boats. In the middle of last summer I took my old dodger off for a few weeks. I really liked not having one as long as the weather was fair. But on Lake Michigan we are lucky to have our boats in the water 5 months. The beginnings and ends of these periods are cold. We are grateful to have 3 months of San Diego type weather. A dodger/bimini really allows you to get out on the water more often. When you are crossing the Lake and can be out for 12 plus hours and you encounter weather, you are happy for this cover. My 25 and 30 footers did not have a dodger. My 36 does. Nine out of eleven years (sailing seasons) were sailed w/o a dodger. I like having a dodger more than not having one. I thought long about spending big bucks on replacing my current set up and have decided that I want to enjoy my expensive hobby more often than not. So I want to make the dodger/bimini as good looking and useful as I can. Maybe one of the requirements should be that I can remove & replace the dodger easily? That way I can have it both ways. Again thanks to all for the posts. I'll keep reading.
In my opinion it is a question of aesthetics vs. comfort. If I lived in San Diego I probably would not have a dodger. Most, not all, boats look better w/o one. I think this is especially true with smaller boats. In the middle of last summer I took my old dodger off for a few weeks. I really liked not having one as long as the weather was fair. But on Lake Michigan we are lucky to have our boats in the water 5 months. The beginnings and ends of these periods are cold. We are grateful to have 3 months of San Diego type weather. A dodger/bimini really allows you to get out on the water more often. When you are crossing the Lake and can be out for 12 plus hours and you encounter weather, you are happy for this cover. My 25 and 30 footers did not have a dodger. My 36 does. Nine out of eleven years (sailing seasons) were sailed w/o a dodger. I like having a dodger more than not having one. I thought long about spending big bucks on replacing my current set up and have decided that I want to enjoy my expensive hobby more often than not. So I want to make the dodger/bimini as good looking and useful as I can. Maybe one of the requirements should be that I can remove & replace the dodger easily? That way I can have it both ways. Again thanks to all for the posts. I'll keep reading.
Ah...
No doubt that a dodger does serve a purpose, if that purpose is needed. Agree that some boats do look good with a properly designed dodger. But for the most part, that does not happen. So many dodgers look ugly. No a removable or collapsible dodger might work. But a permanent tree house on a moving platform, no. Again, just an opinion.
No doubt that a dodger does serve a purpose, if that purpose is needed. Agree that some boats do look good with a properly designed dodger. But for the most part, that does not happen. So many dodgers look ugly. No a removable or collapsible dodger might work. But a permanent tree house on a moving platform, no. Again, just an opinion.
In eye of the beholder
or in this case the owner. When all is said and done, the only true opinion of how your boat looks is your own. While it's nice that others look and may admire, as long as you are satisfied with it, who cares what others think. Also, if cheap is done right, it can look very pretty, there are some women that have taken cheap looking to new levels (I'll leave it at that).
or in this case the owner. When all is said and done, the only true opinion of how your boat looks is your own. While it's nice that others look and may admire, as long as you are satisfied with it, who cares what others think. Also, if cheap is done right, it can look very pretty, there are some women that have taken cheap looking to new levels (I'll leave it at that).
I know what you mean...
Quote: "there are some women that have taken cheap looking to new levels (I'll leave it at that)." I think I've met a few...!!;D
Quote: "there are some women that have taken cheap looking to new levels (I'll leave it at that)." I think I've met a few...!!;D
Bimini?
So ignoring the dodgers--- The bimini is usefull a lot more of the time, but make sure it fits the boat well. Originally, my boom was right at the height of my forehead with the main sheet tight going to windward---and we did a fair amount of racing, so we didn't have a Bimini. When it came time for a new mainsail; after too many years baking my brains in the sun and a lot less racing; I ordered a new loose footed main with the clew cut 8" higher and the roach maxed to make up the diference. We had North Sails measure for a max width bimini, framed off the forward tube of the stern pulpit; zippers to accomodate the split backstay and backstay adjuster, plus a sail trim 'window' with velcrow attached cover. The length extends aft to the stern rail and forward about 8" behind the Mainsheet connection to the boom. We fold it upright around the backstay and cover it with a Bimini Boot when we're not on the boat---it will last a lot longer! Having it built up from the stern pulpit gives easier access boarding, standing headroom, and keeps winch handles clear.
So ignoring the dodgers--- The bimini is usefull a lot more of the time, but make sure it fits the boat well. Originally, my boom was right at the height of my forehead with the main sheet tight going to windward---and we did a fair amount of racing, so we didn't have a Bimini. When it came time for a new mainsail; after too many years baking my brains in the sun and a lot less racing; I ordered a new loose footed main with the clew cut 8" higher and the roach maxed to make up the diference. We had North Sails measure for a max width bimini, framed off the forward tube of the stern pulpit; zippers to accomodate the split backstay and backstay adjuster, plus a sail trim 'window' with velcrow attached cover. The length extends aft to the stern rail and forward about 8" behind the Mainsheet connection to the boom. We fold it upright around the backstay and cover it with a Bimini Boot when we're not on the boat---it will last a lot longer! Having it built up from the stern pulpit gives easier access boarding, standing headroom, and keeps winch handles clear.
Might want to do a forum archive search
on your topic. I've previously noted that our LOW dodger is very good, because: you have to duck anyway PLUS when standing you can see OVER it and not have to look through plastic all day long. Your boat, your choice.
on your topic. I've previously noted that our LOW dodger is very good, because: you have to duck anyway PLUS when standing you can see OVER it and not have to look through plastic all day long. Your boat, your choice.
Enclosure
Pat: You don't say where you sail but where I sail in the Great Lakes a dodger, bimini and fly (connector) is a wonderful addition to the boat's comfort. In addition I have added side curtains with roll up, zip-in plastic for those chilly rainy days experienced so often on Lake Huron. Also the side, rear and front screens are 80% UV blocking so that we don't roast with the screens up on sunny days. Why the screen? until you've been attacked by Saginaw Bay biting flies you haven't lived. My traveler has set of sheaves which direct the dodger control lines under rather than through the dodger. One sheave on each end of the traveler directs the line toward the deck another sheave directs the line along the deck under the dodger to a pair of cam cleats which secure the line(s). It is a Garhauer system and they can better let you know what you need to complete the system. As for those who feel that the pure sport of sailing is somehow tainted by cockpit protection: I say to each his own. My cushions, instruments, teak cockpit table and other items stay always out of the weather and the cockpit actually becomes a third area of the boat fit for full time use regardless of weather. Get hold of Garhauer for further details on the control line system. Mike
Pat: You don't say where you sail but where I sail in the Great Lakes a dodger, bimini and fly (connector) is a wonderful addition to the boat's comfort. In addition I have added side curtains with roll up, zip-in plastic for those chilly rainy days experienced so often on Lake Huron. Also the side, rear and front screens are 80% UV blocking so that we don't roast with the screens up on sunny days. Why the screen? until you've been attacked by Saginaw Bay biting flies you haven't lived. My traveler has set of sheaves which direct the dodger control lines under rather than through the dodger. One sheave on each end of the traveler directs the line toward the deck another sheave directs the line along the deck under the dodger to a pair of cam cleats which secure the line(s). It is a Garhauer system and they can better let you know what you need to complete the system. As for those who feel that the pure sport of sailing is somehow tainted by cockpit protection: I say to each his own. My cushions, instruments, teak cockpit table and other items stay always out of the weather and the cockpit actually becomes a third area of the boat fit for full time use regardless of weather. Get hold of Garhauer for further details on the control line system. Mike
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