I've recently seen one old and one new sailboat with a windshield instead of a canvas dodger. In both cases I think it was a much nicer look and less intrusive than a dodger. I would also imagine that it would have better visibility. I did have the opportunity to talk with the new sailboat owner and his one complaint was that there was no air ventilation for the windshield so it could get a little hot when standing in the companionway on a hot summer day. So my question is why don't more sailboats have a wrap around windshield instead of a dodger? Is it cost? Weight? Expense? The fear of someone mistaking you for a powerboat? If you wanted one who does one call to have it designed, manufactured, installed? Does anyone have pictures of sailboats with windshields? Thanks, -w
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Those who race their boats generally dislike dodgers (or hard dodgers, windshields, wheelhouses, et cetera) because they increase both windage and weight aloft. They also restrict movement of the crew between deck and cockpit, a factor that can be important in a tacking duel. If a manufacturer wants to market a boat to both cruisers and racers, the only way to go is to allow those who want dodgers to design their own.
Those who race their boats generally dislike dodgers (or hard dodgers, windshields, wheelhouses, et cetera) because they increase both windage and weight aloft. They also restrict movement of the crew between deck and cockpit, a factor that can be important in a tacking duel. If a manufacturer wants to market a boat to both cruisers and racers, the only way to go is to allow those who want dodgers to design their own.
Hard dodgers.
There is the obvious difference between a dodger and a windscreen. Personally, like John, I do not like either one. My dodger is always folded down if even on the boat. But check out these hard dodger sites and maybe you will see something that you like. Some months back one of the mags, probably CW, had a DIY project for making your own. http://www.barrettenclosures.com/c42kit.htm http://www.canvascreations.biz/ http://www.tartarooga.com/tartarooga2.html http://www.fantasia35.com/_disc5/00000083.htm
There is the obvious difference between a dodger and a windscreen. Personally, like John, I do not like either one. My dodger is always folded down if even on the boat. But check out these hard dodger sites and maybe you will see something that you like. Some months back one of the mags, probably CW, had a DIY project for making your own. http://www.barrettenclosures.com/c42kit.htm http://www.canvascreations.biz/ http://www.tartarooga.com/tartarooga2.html http://www.fantasia35.com/_disc5/00000083.htm
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