I need to find the best supplier of dodgers and bimini's. I am trying to get someone to design something that traditionally is not considered sexy looking into a work of art. I want to take the traditional "turtle" look and make it sleek...if possible. Is there such a thing as a sexy dodger and bimini? Any pictures could help. We own a Beneteau 36.7 and she want out of the wind and sun when we cruise on non race days. Thanks to all
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You should buy more or less locally.
For what you want some custom bending of frames will be in order. Shop, shop, Shop and shop until you find some one that does the quality of work you want and will listen to your ideas and desires.
For what you want some custom bending of frames will be in order. Shop, shop, Shop and shop until you find some one that does the quality of work you want and will listen to your ideas and desires.
We're damned fussy about the looks of our boat
and we drove ourselves and our builder nuts in getting our dodger built. Here's what I recommend: 1. Look at as many dodgers as you can. Walk docks. Search the internet. Buy magazines. When you think you've seen enough, look at some more. I sketched several pages of designs. I created a folder of dodger pictures I found on the internet (mostly Yachtworld) that had desired features. This process took over a year, because.... 2. YOU must decide what YOU want. Have EVERY detail decided because the builder will want to build what THEY think looks good or is what they've always previously built. 3. Interview several builders. Go and TALK to them and pay attention to how well they listen to you. Go look at recent examples of what they've built. We used a previously reputable builder who had just had a significant change of staff. It caused us no small amount of grief. 4.Do you want to look over or through when standing? How low do you want to duck at the companionway? What materials do you want? Do want all windows removeable (California style) or one piece wrapped (New England style)? Do want clear vinyl or lexan? Do you want it to fold down easily? Or not? We actually mocked up a frame out of 1/2" PVC and duct tape and lived with it for several days. It changed several dimensions that we thought we wanted. Make sure the dodger does what it's supposed to do. We could have made a lower/sleeker/sexier dodger but we would've hated it in short order if it wasn't functional for us. Hope this helps.
and we drove ourselves and our builder nuts in getting our dodger built. Here's what I recommend: 1. Look at as many dodgers as you can. Walk docks. Search the internet. Buy magazines. When you think you've seen enough, look at some more. I sketched several pages of designs. I created a folder of dodger pictures I found on the internet (mostly Yachtworld) that had desired features. This process took over a year, because.... 2. YOU must decide what YOU want. Have EVERY detail decided because the builder will want to build what THEY think looks good or is what they've always previously built. 3. Interview several builders. Go and TALK to them and pay attention to how well they listen to you. Go look at recent examples of what they've built. We used a previously reputable builder who had just had a significant change of staff. It caused us no small amount of grief. 4.Do you want to look over or through when standing? How low do you want to duck at the companionway? What materials do you want? Do want all windows removeable (California style) or one piece wrapped (New England style)? Do want clear vinyl or lexan? Do you want it to fold down easily? Or not? We actually mocked up a frame out of 1/2" PVC and duct tape and lived with it for several days. It changed several dimensions that we thought we wanted. Make sure the dodger does what it's supposed to do. We could have made a lower/sleeker/sexier dodger but we would've hated it in short order if it wasn't functional for us. Hope this helps.
drop top dodger
I completely agree with Rick's post. We just went through the process over the past 6 months. Eventhough I've been sailing for many years - I never purchased a brand new canvas package and never realized how many design elements are involved. In the end - I wanted something that was sleek but provided full coverage. I found many pictures but essentially wanted a design I found from gemini canvas in maine called a drop top dodger. It was the best balance for me in terms of style, coverage, etc. I also chose coated Lexan which creates a very clear almost glass-like window. (http://www.geminicanvas.com/imagesgemini/gdodger.htm) I then picked a local canvas shop and worked with the owner (Steve from The Canvas Store in Huntington, NY) to design/customize the dodger based on the "drop top" design and my requirements. I don't have any pictures of ours yet - it still needs some fine tuning which is why you'll need to find a local custom canvas shop and work with them to implement your design. Good luck.
I completely agree with Rick's post. We just went through the process over the past 6 months. Eventhough I've been sailing for many years - I never purchased a brand new canvas package and never realized how many design elements are involved. In the end - I wanted something that was sleek but provided full coverage. I found many pictures but essentially wanted a design I found from gemini canvas in maine called a drop top dodger. It was the best balance for me in terms of style, coverage, etc. I also chose coated Lexan which creates a very clear almost glass-like window. (http://www.geminicanvas.com/imagesgemini/gdodger.htm) I then picked a local canvas shop and worked with the owner (Steve from The Canvas Store in Huntington, NY) to design/customize the dodger based on the "drop top" design and my requirements. I don't have any pictures of ours yet - it still needs some fine tuning which is why you'll need to find a local custom canvas shop and work with them to implement your design. Good luck.
Needs to look good as well as it works.
While functionality is important, you really do not want a box sitting over your companionway. Here are some ideas of my own. 1. Must have all removable windows. I do not think roll up windows are a good option for any boat. 2. All zip out canvas. 3. Side and rear handholds 4. No tension straps (all stainless steel frame and supports) Do NOT accept an aluminum frame. 5. Observation window in Bimini to check sail shape/trim. 6. Sunbrella is a great material but you will need patches if there is any chance of abrasion. 7. Think about a sacrificial cover for the entire dodger. This help keep the fabric in good condition for extra years. 8. Good quality thread. You may only get 3-4 years of service life before you need a restitching with standard quality thread. 9. Ask about the options for the window vinyl. Pros/cons for different materials. 10. Removable connection between the dodger & bimini. 11. Assess the impact of the dodger on your winch action. Our Hunter Vision 36 has inboard winches, but not all boat are like this and the dodger may interfere with cranking the winches. Look at other dodger/bimini's that the company has done (specifically for a similar boat if possible). There are probably many other ideas that you need to think about. Ask others what they would do if they were doing it again. If you race, you need to be able to R&R the canvas without much ado.
While functionality is important, you really do not want a box sitting over your companionway. Here are some ideas of my own. 1. Must have all removable windows. I do not think roll up windows are a good option for any boat. 2. All zip out canvas. 3. Side and rear handholds 4. No tension straps (all stainless steel frame and supports) Do NOT accept an aluminum frame. 5. Observation window in Bimini to check sail shape/trim. 6. Sunbrella is a great material but you will need patches if there is any chance of abrasion. 7. Think about a sacrificial cover for the entire dodger. This help keep the fabric in good condition for extra years. 8. Good quality thread. You may only get 3-4 years of service life before you need a restitching with standard quality thread. 9. Ask about the options for the window vinyl. Pros/cons for different materials. 10. Removable connection between the dodger & bimini. 11. Assess the impact of the dodger on your winch action. Our Hunter Vision 36 has inboard winches, but not all boat are like this and the dodger may interfere with cranking the winches. Look at other dodger/bimini's that the company has done (specifically for a similar boat if possible). There are probably many other ideas that you need to think about. Ask others what they would do if they were doing it again. If you race, you need to be able to R&R the canvas without much ado.
Dodger quality
I had seen this web site sometime ago and think this company seems to have a quality product, interesting detailing and designs.
I had seen this web site sometime ago and think this company seems to have a quality product, interesting detailing and designs.
Boat Tailors in the Milwaukee area
Most canvas in the Milwaukee area on Lake Michigan is done by Boat Tailors. They do a lot of the Dodgers and Biminis for the show boats at the Chicago Strictly Sail Show. Take a look at their web site. They don't do mail order. They have to measure the boat.
Most canvas in the Milwaukee area on Lake Michigan is done by Boat Tailors. They do a lot of the Dodgers and Biminis for the show boats at the Chicago Strictly Sail Show. Take a look at their web site. They don't do mail order. They have to measure the boat.
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