New hard dodger-bimini combo

[espin]

I have recently completed a facelift of Mini Pearl, Vega 2662, which is documented in recent photos added to the photo albums. This includes a hard dodger with custom canvas and strato glass, hand rails, and full cockpit bimini. The mainsheet system has been moved forward of the dodger, as seen in the photos, to clear the cockpit for the bimini. Other projects include "Kiwi Grip" non-skid for the decks and cockpit. Mini Pearl was purchased with no engine; and a four-stroke 6 HP Tohatsu outboard seems to be a perfect match for the wieght of the Vega. A Navik windvane completes my list of improvements.

 

[j.hunter9999]

Very nice work! How did you make the hard dodger? She is very clean and you've obviously put a great deal of time into creating a beautiful example of a Vega!

Jack

 

[pjacobs55]

I looked at the pictures and she looks really good. I like your hard dodger (sprayhood). I saw a similar one last summer on my annual cruise, but it was on a different type of boat.

http://www3.telus.net/sailing/hard_dodger.jpg

I like the way the front of yours can be removed ... much better IMHO.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[j.hunter9999]

Does anyone know if these are aftermarket or home made? Do you have a design and some notes re: build or installation?

Thanks,
Jack

 

[scajax]

the dodger was home built using materiels from home depot ...plywood ...FRP shower stall board....gorilla glue ....liquid nails....bent on jig....epoxy sealed edges...very basic and low tech.......MINI PEARL #2660

.....

 

[j.hunter9999]

That's great! I love how round it is. If you get time and feel lot jotting down some details, I'd love to take a stab a constructing one.

Thanks,
Jack
Bella - V2620

 

[nowellchandler]

Im really curious about your mainsheeting system. Is there any performance differece? How are the loads like? Don't you have to constantly tune any time you make adjustments with it? Aside from clearing the cockpit, what do you see as the main advantage of this?

Thanks

Nowell
Vega #176 "Aquila"

 

[scajax]

clearing the cockpit was my main reason for moving the main sheet forward....a jam cleat on each side under the dodger couldnt be easier......however......the negatives.....more compression on the gooseneck......way off the wind a vang is used to the toerail when the boom is outboard the leeward mainsheet padeye.....in severe conditions, i could quickly roll the bimini forward and secure the end of the boom in the traditional way.the boom is vulnarable at the mid attachment points.again sun protection is the concern.i have a construction jig that we used to build the igloo dodger which is very strong...and with the hand holds so constructed ...can act as a boom crutch........espin MINI PEARL V 2660