New H33 Dodger??

[BruceK]

Time to commission the boat and I have ordered a dodger...necessity in Maine...but need some opinions from current H33 owners...do I want to build it so as to see over the dodger or through it? On previous boats (H30's) I have always seen over, but the design of the H33 and distance to the hatchway, not mention the arch and bimini, changes the picture...I am told by the dealer that I should have it built to see under...opinions??

 

[Scott B]

All of the 33's I have seen in our area have the high dodger so you look through the window. Just make sure you look after it and use the right products to clean etc., otherwise it'll scratch easy. Oh, and they also don't float ..... ask me how I know this ..... good thing someone in our marina is a diver

 

[Steve Dion]

Bruce:

I would prefer that you can look over the dodger, but a lot depends on the design of the boat. Some boats look fine with high dodgers. When you get in the rough stuff and water is spraying the windows, it is nice to be able to see around all that.

Be sure to talk to some GOOD canvas guys regarding hand hold, window materials etc. I would suggest that you look a something better than vinyl for the windows. They look okay when new, but they tend to buckle and are had to see through after a couple of years. Lexan is nice but you cannot roll them and the lexan dents fairly easy. There are some other products but they need special cleaners (everything is a compromise).

We prefer to have ALL the windows to zip out. This makes a repair much easier and when the weather does warm up it is a lot easier to keep cool.

A good canvas guy will have all these ideas and many more.

 

[chuckwayne]

go for the high dodger-it'll create more windage and help keep you from catching that pesky 356

 

[seadaddler]

Look Through

My 36 Hunter pretty much similar to the 33 and I like having the high dodger the protection from wind rain and spray.
The middle of my dodger has a roll up center front window,also have a canvas connector from the dodger to bimini.
Nick

 

[nick8489]

Go Low

The H33 is a very dry boat even when pressed and after five years with my 2004 model and a low dodger I could count the times on one hand that I have had a greeny in the face. This includes a six month cruise up the Queensland coast. The low dodger looks so much prettier, some of the pictures posted make the boat look like a caravan annex!

 

[AndyK]

I vote low dodger as well. I like being able to see over. The only issue I have with the low is if I wear a baseball cap I occasionally bonk my head on the grab rail.

 

[seadaddler]

Agree

The low rounded dodgers do look nice compared to my high big dodger but for some reason I like not hitting my head and also guest seem to hit their heads going down the companionway.
Plus even with my high dodger I have gotten wet with over spray a few times,the women seem to like the extra protection it gives them from the cooler air even here in Florida,I have the center window rolls up and the two side windows are removable for when its really warm out,I like keeping the admiral warm and dry
and happy and comfortable,keeping her happy keeps her sailing more.
Nick

 

[roan]

I have exactly the same set up as seadaddler on my 2006 H 33. Thought it looked funny at first but three years later I love it and need it for spring fall sailing on Lake Champlain. I also have rool up on dodger and bimini roof so I can always see the main sail action. Really important. As with seadaddler, when hot it all unsnaps easily.