Dodger -- need it or skip it?

[Joli]

LOL, best line of the day!

"But my sweet husband has recently come up with the idea that the dodger was not needed (yes honey, I am throwing you under the bus here)"

Don't worry Dog, we all know how you feel. Good luck with the new dodger, you'll like it too.

Originally Posted by schoonerdog

Wow -- thanks for all of the thoughtful replies!

It was me -- Schoonerdog's wife who posted this question. And I was the one who WANTED the dodger. yes, we have a bimini... just re-did that a couple of years ago and they built it specifically to attach to a dodger. But my sweet husband has recently come up with the idea that the dodger was not needed (yes honey, I am throwing you under the bus here)

So I especially appreciate all of your replies!

As for a good shop here in Annapolis.... we've worked with three different ones over the years with both of our boats.

Our first choice is Annapolis Custom Yacht Canvas
Annapolis Custom Yacht Canvas
Dan and Donna do a first rate job, very small shop they do all the work themselves. They really know their stuff and stand behind their work, and they are reasonably priced.

We have also used Cover Loft, also good work.... but ACYC I think is better.

Thanks everyone!

[dkall]

And guess where Dodgers Built by Iverson's Designs is? You guessed it; the Pacific Northwest.

Fair Winds

[theonecalledtom]

Originally Posted by philip van praag

i also have a big problem with bisuits and gravy.

Don't get me started on biscuits! I think the problem is a lack of Hob Nobs and Ginger Nuts. These guys don't know what they're missing....

The beers not as bad as people back home think though.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by dkall

And guess where Dodgers Built by Iverson's Designs is? You guessed it; the Pacific Northwest.

Fair Winds

Iverson's is scheduled to make me a new dodger next month. I really think he has a great eye for what a dodger should look like. I tried to talk him into doing a hardtop dodger for me, but he just wasn't buying into it. He's booked at least 6-months in advance.

Paul L

[schoonerdog]

Thank you Gord! (this is the guy under the bus speaking). Yes, we already have a 14' x 8' huge new bimini (cloth covering the cockpit) with solar panels mounted upon it. The question (and it was a mild one) between my dear misses and myself was whether to get a dodger (windshield, spray hood) as well as a priority. I've got a crack in the mast and I was simply trying to describe that I preferred dealing with the cracked mast as a priority. I agree its nice to have the dodger (windshield) to help keep the cockpit dry.

[rexposeidon]

Wow great info here. I do love a dodger myself but always shied away from a hard one. Would someone be so kind as to give the pros/cons of a hard dodger? thanks.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by rexposeidon

Wow great info here. I do love a dodger myself but always shied away from a hard one. Would someone be so kind as to give the pros/cons of a hard dodger? thanks.

When flying a gennaker or spinnaker it is often advantgeous to run the sheet over the cabin roof by collapsing a canvas dodger.

Jack

[rexposeidon]

But doesn't a hard dodger permanently increase sail area of the hull? And would it be a liability if you take green water of the rails/bow/stern possibly shipping more water than your boat can handle, whereas a canvas dodger would just go away with the wave?

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by rexposeidon

But doesn't a hard dodger permanently increase sail area of the hull? And would it be a liability if you take green water of the rails/bow/stern possibly shipping more water than your boat can handle, whereas a canvas dodger would just go away with the wave?

That would be true if the entire dodger were hard. But if the only hard part is the top, or "roof", the problem in that scenario becomes much smaller.

I like the WaveStopper idea... it's a hard fiberglass top, with soft sides.

[Joli]

Originally Posted by jackdale

When flying a gennaker or spinnaker it is often advantgeous to run the sheet over the cabin roof by collapsing a canvas dodger.

Jack

You mean the guy to the cabin top winch? Not all boats are set up this way, some have clear leads to the winches for both sheet and guy regardless of canvas.

[Southern Star]

Certainly Schoonerdog's St. Francis cat shouldn't have to worry about a dodger interfering with the spinnaker guys. In any event, a properly designed dodger should not interfere with the use of the cabintop winches/clutches etc.

Brad

[Holding Pattern]

I think this is the first unanimous discussion I have seen... I will chime in... I would not leave without a dodger... there is little less tolerable than 3am, 42 degrees, rain, 25kt and 6' seas... very few things have made me want to swallow the anchor, that night was one of them... when I got off that boat, I was never so happy so not go on a friends boat again.

[Hud3]

HP,

You're right, it is unanimous. Something has to be wrong here--this has never happened before!

But I think any more posts agreeing that a dodger is essential come in the category of "piling on". Mr. Schoonerdog is still trying to brush the tire tracks off his back, from Mrs. Schoonerdog ""having thrown him under the bus. He's graciously capitulated to his Admiral, and to our collective wisdom. Let's leave him with at least a shread of dignity.

[James S]

In my opinion a dodgers a must....Just finishing mine and will start on a bimini once I figure it out.

[Fishspearit]

James, that's nice looking work there.

This thread has me wondering, if we are all so unanimous on the need for spray and hatch protection, how come so few boats are built with that protection?