Dodger -- need it or skip it?

[schoonerdog]

Help settle a family debate here.

One of us thinks a dodger is an essential piece of gear for long distance/ long term cruising. The other one of us does not. (for what it's worth, we DID have one the last time we were out cruising on our old boat)

Chime in!

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by schoonerdog

Help settle a family debate here.

One of us thinks a dodger is an essential piece of gear for long distance/ long term cruising. The other one of us does not. (for what it's worth, we DID have one the last time we were out cruising on our old boat)

Chime in!

For cruising it is an essential. It is a great defense from waves breaking over the bow. Also you can leave the companionway open at night when anchored without any fear of rain.

Get one that is strong enough to grab when boarding. If it will fold out of the way, that is a bonus.

Jack

[cchesley]

A dodger is one of the best 'quality of life' add-ons that you will miss if you go without. In fact, you probably won't stay 'out' for long without it. My guess? You will eventually buy/make one anyway.

[Paul Elliott]

Here's another vote for having a dodger. It provides shelter from the sun, wind, and spray. The usual grab-bars on the aft top and port/starboard sides improve safety when in unsteady conditions. The dodger acts as a great wind-scoop or exhaust vent for the cabin, which you will really appreciate in the tropics. It gives you a place to hang your laundry to "dry" when the tropical rainshowers are moving through.

I've got solar panels on top of my dodger -- not the best location I know, but that's where I want them and the dodger gives me a convenient place to mount them.

If you have a pilot house, you probably don't need a dodger. Otherwise it is an axcellent addition to a cruising boat.

[Wotname]

Don't leave town without one

[Joli]

Yes, a dodger is a must have for cruising.

[Fishspearit]

I lived on a boat for 7 years and travelled thousands of miles without a dodger or bimini. It sucked, we always wanted one, and we have one now.

[imagine2frolic]

Why would you even consider the suffering to go without? The money will be some of the best spent for the boat......ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL

[Vasco]

Well it's unanimous! I might add that a full enclosure is a delight at anchor in cool evenings or rain. I went without one for twenty years calling those that had one wimps. Two years ago I wimped out and got one, wow it's wonderful!

[Joli]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Well it's unanimous! I might add that a full enclosure is a delight at anchor in cool evenings or rain. I went without one for twenty years calling those that had one wimps. Two years ago I wimped out and got one, wow it's wonderful!

LOL, after 100k miles racing and countless miles transporting boats, I definitely agree. Cold and wet are over rated, canvas is nice!

[ssullivan]

Another vote for "it's essential." You need protection from the elements. The wind, rain and sun can be brutal when you're stuck outside in them for many hours at a time.

I'd even go so far as to say that they are essential even for weekending!

[Efraim]

If you going offshore consider getting a hard dodger built and installed. IIRC there was a post here a little while back by a fella who makes hard dodgers, he does a good job and they look like the came with the boat, they look really good.

[By Invitation]

I have a good friend who spent 10 years building a tradtional wooden 40ft cutter to sail around the world. She did not want to have a dodger because it was not "traditional" and "ruined" the lines of the boat. Upon leaving on her first 2 year cruise she ended up having a dodger installed after 2 weeks of sailing. She is now on her 2nd 2 year cruise and now has both the dodger and a bimini. A dodger is essential in my opinion.

[speedoo]

IMO, a dodger is essential for any kind of long term cruising, for the numerous reasons others have stated. Strength and grab bars are very important as well. Only question is: fabric or hard?

[s/v 'Faith']

I would sooner go without a motor then a dodger.