sandpiper dodgers

[David Stanley Smith (david.smith@crcn.net)]

I have been contemplating adding a dodger for my Sandpiper. The Sandpiper cabin is very exposed to rain when the hatch cover is forward, and even when the hatch is back, the sloping cabin bulkhead still allows rain to enter. Gencomarine has a Sandpiper dodger available (picture on web), and I wonder if anyone out there has fitted one. If so, is there enough clearance to allow easy entry and sail handling. I have seen other small boats with dodgers (a Manta 19, for example) and they seem to be a useful addition on a small boat (particularly if the hatch cover is kept forward much of the time when under way). Having a local fabricator make a dodger allows for individual preferences of height and length,which may not be available on the Genco dodger; but there's always a trade-off between inceased comfort and decreased visibility and forward access. Any comments from Sandpiper owners with a dodger?

 

[Eric]

Hmmm, I haven't seen one I lke

But thats my personal feeling. I have been thinking about getting a bimini however. I would think a dodger to restrictive to go forward. A bimini may also be restrictive, but it is more aft. To cover the companionway, a piece of material could be made to extend from the bimini forward over the hatch for the night. The other option is to make a boom cover. When you're anchored you could fashion a tarp or other similar material over the boom to offer protection while docked or anchored.Eric