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Dodger vs. ????????
Do you have a dodger now? if so maybe you be willing to see it to offset the price of your windshield. If you do I would be interested in your dodger.
Do you have a dodger now? if so maybe you be willing to see it to offset the price of your windshield. If you do I would be interested in your dodger.
Ok
I'd go with the dodger because cost is going to be an issue. It is nice to roll up the center window and get some air in the summer.
I'd go with the dodger because cost is going to be an issue. It is nice to roll up the center window and get some air in the summer.
Take a look...
at how Gozzard does their hard dodgers (windshields). Properly executed it could be an asset, but I can't imagine what my H34 would look like with one. The guys that race theirs drop (remove) their dodgers to reduce wind resistance, something that a permanent "windshield" isn't likely to be able to do.
at how Gozzard does their hard dodgers (windshields). Properly executed it could be an asset, but I can't imagine what my H34 would look like with one. The guys that race theirs drop (remove) their dodgers to reduce wind resistance, something that a permanent "windshield" isn't likely to be able to do.
A real windshield is a lot easier to see through
and it's permanent compared to a dodger. Most folks leave the dodger up all the time anyway. If you are a very competitive racer it might make a difference to be able to take it off. Also if it's really hot where you sail you may want to open that front window. A hard dodger can still open the windshield, it's just a bit more work to build it that way. That would be a three pane windshield with a hinged frame on the centre pane. Most folks start with a fibreglass or plywood panel for the roof, then make a frame to hold it up. The two main ways to do the frame are (1) uprights (aluminium, Stainless, or wood, or less often, fibreglass) with windows between the uprights or just a front windshield and maybe side curtains or (2) panels for the sides made of the same stuff as the roof with holes cut out for windows or just big curved cutouts so the sides are open. The windshield in either case is usually two or three pieces of flat glass (car glass is a good option here - easy to cut, relatively cheap, and not as dangerous as plate if it breaks. Tempered glass works too, but it's expensive-must be cut to size, then tempered.) The glass is mounted in a frame that goes from the roof to the deck, usually with filler pieces top and bottom so the glass can be straight and the roof and deck can be curved. I have used both Lexan (polycarbonate) and Plexiglass (Styrene) but they scratch after a few seasons. If you design the windshield so it's easy to replace (just bolt the Lexan window to the outside of the frame with a lot of small bolts)it's makes a bulletproof (literally) windshield that's easy to replace when it gets scratched. If you use Lexan, make the bolt or screw holes oversize and bed with 5200 or Sikaflex. Lexan shrinks and swells a lot with temperature change and it will crack if the fastening hole are too tight. I have heard rumours of a new type of tempered glass that can be cut, but I don't know if it's available or cost.
and it's permanent compared to a dodger. Most folks leave the dodger up all the time anyway. If you are a very competitive racer it might make a difference to be able to take it off. Also if it's really hot where you sail you may want to open that front window. A hard dodger can still open the windshield, it's just a bit more work to build it that way. That would be a three pane windshield with a hinged frame on the centre pane. Most folks start with a fibreglass or plywood panel for the roof, then make a frame to hold it up. The two main ways to do the frame are (1) uprights (aluminium, Stainless, or wood, or less often, fibreglass) with windows between the uprights or just a front windshield and maybe side curtains or (2) panels for the sides made of the same stuff as the roof with holes cut out for windows or just big curved cutouts so the sides are open. The windshield in either case is usually two or three pieces of flat glass (car glass is a good option here - easy to cut, relatively cheap, and not as dangerous as plate if it breaks. Tempered glass works too, but it's expensive-must be cut to size, then tempered.) The glass is mounted in a frame that goes from the roof to the deck, usually with filler pieces top and bottom so the glass can be straight and the roof and deck can be curved. I have used both Lexan (polycarbonate) and Plexiglass (Styrene) but they scratch after a few seasons. If you design the windshield so it's easy to replace (just bolt the Lexan window to the outside of the frame with a lot of small bolts)it's makes a bulletproof (literally) windshield that's easy to replace when it gets scratched. If you use Lexan, make the bolt or screw holes oversize and bed with 5200 or Sikaflex. Lexan shrinks and swells a lot with temperature change and it will crack if the fastening hole are too tight. I have heard rumours of a new type of tempered glass that can be cut, but I don't know if it's available or cost.
Viz shouldn't be a concern
With all due respects to Fred: Dodgers can be made with a thicker vinyl window that won't distort the visibility. My dodger was built with 32 mil thick vinyl and I have had the same vinyl for 12 years. But, you must care for it because it will still scratch. All I do is fold it very carefully and rinse it after every use (with water only, wipe it with TP) to remove the salt crystals. When I do wash it, I use water with boat soap and a well-used artificial chamois. I also wax it 3x a year with a reputable cleaner/wax and put it away waxed when it is folded.
With all due respects to Fred: Dodgers can be made with a thicker vinyl window that won't distort the visibility. My dodger was built with 32 mil thick vinyl and I have had the same vinyl for 12 years. But, you must care for it because it will still scratch. All I do is fold it very carefully and rinse it after every use (with water only, wipe it with TP) to remove the salt crystals. When I do wash it, I use water with boat soap and a well-used artificial chamois. I also wax it 3x a year with a reputable cleaner/wax and put it away waxed when it is folded.
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