Suggestions for O Day 28 Dodger!

[Rag Doll]

I am planning to have a Dodger made for my Oday 28 and would like some suggestions on what options would be beneficial to have for my boat.

I plan to have it made of Sunbrella and the frame will need to have grab rails on the Port and Starboard sides. The Quality of the plastic for the windows is one of my questions and how many should I have. I know many O Day 28 Owners have Dodgers and their input would be helpful. If someone has photo's of recommendation this would also be very helpful for my considerations. This being an expensive investment I want it right the first time with good thought put into it.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Also think about the dodger height. Do you want to be able to look over it or have to look through plastic all day?

 

[Rag Doll]

Also think about the dodger height. Do you want to be able to look over it or have to look through plastic all day?

I would like to look over it most of the time. I will bring this up to my fabricator. I understand that the plastic of the windows have a tendancy to get scratched and wonder if there is a better material to make the windows from. I know covers can be incorporated for the windows for the dodger but wonder if they are worth the investment over a better grade of plastic for the windows.

 

[noanker]

make sure the maker uses stiff legs to support the dodger. straps are usually in the way

 

[MSN-Travelers]

I am planning to have a Dodger made for my Oday 28 and would like some suggestions on what options would be beneficial to have for my boat.

I plan to have it made of Sunbrella and the frame will need to have grab rails on the Port and Starboard sides. The Quality of the plastic for the windows is one of my questions and how many should I have. I know many O Day 28 Owners have Dodgers and their input would be helpful. If someone has photo's of recommendation this would also be very helpful for my considerations. This being an expensive investment I want it right the first time with good thought put into it.

Here is the web site for my fabricator. They have a pretty good area that describes dodgers, styles and "glass" types. http://btailors.com/sailboat/sailboatpix/dodgers/dodgers.html

Ours has stiff panels on the front that zip out and soft panels on the sides.

 

[Davidasailor26]

make sure the maker uses stiff legs to support the dodger. straps are usually in the way

This is especially important if your main sheet is mounted to the end of the boom and not the cabin roof. For this reason on our 28 we have stainless rods to hold the back of the dodger back. On downwind runs, when the main sheet must be released, we have quick release snaps that allow us to fold the side flaps forward out of the way of the main sheet.

On the issue of height, another consideration is that the lower the dodger is, the harder it will be to get under it while on the cabin steps. Ours is mounted about as high as could be without interfering with a fully sheeted in main, which gives plenty of room for getting in and out of the cabin, but isn't all that good looking, and does require you to look through the glass when sitting behind the wheel.

 

[Mick143]

Dodger

Hope these pictures help.

 

[TENACITY CS36T]

This is sunbrella and has connecting piece as well, just not on in this photo, very happy with it! 79 O'day 28

 

[Rag Doll]

Here is the web site for my fabricator. They have a pretty good area that describes dodgers, styles and "glass" types. http://btailors.com/sailboat/sailboatpix/dodgers/dodgers.html

Ours has stiff panels on the front that zip out and soft panels on the sides.

I looked at your photo and eb Site attached and have decided to call Boat Tailors. I will be making an appointment for them to come out and measure my boat for the Dodger. They look like a very good company ad I have heard no issues with their work.

Thank you and all the others who have given me comments on how to proceed.

Rag Doll