I have another question for all of you wise and experienced sailors. (Can you tell I'm getting anxious for the season to start?) When we bought our boat last year ('87 Oday 322) it had no canvas. Everyone told us we'd never survive the summer on the Chesapeake without a bimini, but neither of us really suffered from what we remember (!) We did make use of a lovely gray tarp over the boom when at anchor in the rain -- anchoring-out pretty much guaranteed a thunderstorm for us last year. But as fall approached and I experienced what seemed like Niagra Falls in the cockpit, we started to consider the merits of a dodger. Is there any downside to a dodger? Does it greatly affect the welcome breeze on a hot summer day? Or is it something that once you have, you wonder how you lived without it? Has anyone ordered one (like here at the O'Day site) that they installed themselves -- and were you happy with it? Or is it best to go custom? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. We plan to spend more weekends on the boat this year versus the day sailing we did last year. Thanks!
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
Soft or hard top?
I too am considering a dodger. Does anyone know if a hardtop is available or know anyone that has made their own for 25 oday?
I too am considering a dodger. Does anyone know if a hardtop is available or know anyone that has made their own for 25 oday?
R
R.W.Landau
If a soft top....
Diane, An advantage of a soft top is that you can put a zip-up window over the companionway so that in nice weather, you roll up the clear protection and get the ventilation. r.w.landau
Diane, An advantage of a soft top is that you can put a zip-up window over the companionway so that in nice weather, you roll up the clear protection and get the ventilation. r.w.landau
D
Diane
Where in Pittsburgh?
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, R.W. ... where do you sail? I do like the idea of the soft top; even if we eventually add a bimini, I know I want the option of full sun/sky overhead. We're trying to 'pace' the major expenditures so we're determining priorities. I was one miserable & wet sailor a few times last fall!
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, R.W. ... where do you sail? I do like the idea of the soft top; even if we eventually add a bimini, I know I want the option of full sun/sky overhead. We're trying to 'pace' the major expenditures so we're determining priorities. I was one miserable & wet sailor a few times last fall!
T
Trevor - SailboatOwners.com
Dodgers
Hi Diane - My wife and I installed a dodger ordered from this site, and it worked just fine. Definitely better on the budget than going custom. However, you don't get some of the fancy features like pockets for winch handles, leather trim, extra windows and covers. Then again, you could always add any extra features you want later. I'd go with Sunbrella (soft instead of hard) as it's more versatile, less expensive, and I think looks better. It won't last as long, but I think for your application you'd be happy with a basic canvas dodger. As R.W. said, you can roll up the center window or even remove and replace the dodger if wanted to. Just my 2 cents - have fun! Best, Trevor
Hi Diane - My wife and I installed a dodger ordered from this site, and it worked just fine. Definitely better on the budget than going custom. However, you don't get some of the fancy features like pockets for winch handles, leather trim, extra windows and covers. Then again, you could always add any extra features you want later. I'd go with Sunbrella (soft instead of hard) as it's more versatile, less expensive, and I think looks better. It won't last as long, but I think for your application you'd be happy with a basic canvas dodger. As R.W. said, you can roll up the center window or even remove and replace the dodger if wanted to. Just my 2 cents - have fun! Best, Trevor
M
Mike
Indodger
Diane: I bought an "Indodger" from Island Nautical five years ago and I'm glad I did. It was $800 complete with frame, fasteners and pretty good instructions. At that time I went through Defender catalogue and I didn't need to. By going through a second party all it did was add to the cost. You can contact them direct by calling the 800 information number and getting their phone number. They probably have a web site so you may want to search the internet for them. They have ready-made patterns in their inventory in many, many sunbrella colors. Easy to install, reasonable price and lots of colors. They even have a basic model and a deluxe model for a bit more money. As I recall it took about 6 weeks to get it once they had some money. My wife and I enjoy ours and one day I hope to get full cockpit enclosure. Fair Winds, Mike S/B Pitterpat, Lake Huron
Diane: I bought an "Indodger" from Island Nautical five years ago and I'm glad I did. It was $800 complete with frame, fasteners and pretty good instructions. At that time I went through Defender catalogue and I didn't need to. By going through a second party all it did was add to the cost. You can contact them direct by calling the 800 information number and getting their phone number. They probably have a web site so you may want to search the internet for them. They have ready-made patterns in their inventory in many, many sunbrella colors. Easy to install, reasonable price and lots of colors. They even have a basic model and a deluxe model for a bit more money. As I recall it took about 6 weeks to get it once they had some money. My wife and I enjoy ours and one day I hope to get full cockpit enclosure. Fair Winds, Mike S/B Pitterpat, Lake Huron
T
Trevor - SailboatOwners.com
Island Nautical
FYI, the dodgers offered on this site are manufacturered by Island Nautical. So you might as well get the excellent customer service that goes along with purchasing from OdayOwners.com! Trevor
FYI, the dodgers offered on this site are manufacturered by Island Nautical. So you might as well get the excellent customer service that goes along with purchasing from OdayOwners.com! Trevor
D
Diane
Thanks everyone!
Good to hear the recommendations on Island Nautical's dodgers -- thanks! The price is certainly lower than a local custom shop, although when I say LOCAL, I mean right at the marina ... which does have its benefits! Maybe we'll see how the early season goes and what other 'necessary expenses' may pop up. (They sure do POP UP a lot, don't they?) I think someone should start a link for do-it-yourself projects -- everyone could pitch in their ideas and successes. I am eagerly awaiting a cat-bird/stern-rail seat that we plan to (try to) make. I see them on other boats and think ... hmmm .... I could get a pattern here ... !
Good to hear the recommendations on Island Nautical's dodgers -- thanks! The price is certainly lower than a local custom shop, although when I say LOCAL, I mean right at the marina ... which does have its benefits! Maybe we'll see how the early season goes and what other 'necessary expenses' may pop up. (They sure do POP UP a lot, don't they?) I think someone should start a link for do-it-yourself projects -- everyone could pitch in their ideas and successes. I am eagerly awaiting a cat-bird/stern-rail seat that we plan to (try to) make. I see them on other boats and think ... hmmm .... I could get a pattern here ... !
- Status
- Not open for further replies.