| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 460.1 | on the other hand ... | PULSAR::BERENS | Alan Berens | Sun Jan 11 1987 15:24 | 10 |
| Have you considered using your new boat a while to see if you really
need a dodger? You might find that you can get along without one.
Because of the design of our boat's hull, we get almost no spray in the
cockpit, even in very bad weather. A dodger isn't even on our wish list.
Better outward vision is more important to us than occasional protection
from the odd rain shower. A broad brim hat provides sun protection.
Just a thought.
|
| 460.2 | Good Dodgers | USSCSL::PASCUCCI | | Mon Jan 12 1987 10:05 | 15 |
| Island Nautical, 225 Fordham St. P.O. Box 207, City Island N.Y 10464
(212)885-2295. They Have patterns for many boats. Very Go quality,
very good people. IN is the only company that ever returned a check
with a note explaining I would have to make a minor modification
to my boat to mount the dodger, instead of sending the dodger with
instructions for the modification. They gave me a chance to change
my mind!
They also handle many other canvas products.
Regard,
Frank
|
| 460.3 | | GRAMPS::WCLARK | Walt Clark | Mon Jan 12 1987 11:12 | 31 |
| Rick,
I feel the dodger was the BEST thing we chose (after the brand of
boat). Although our boat is dry sailing, the wind block on cool
days, and the ability to leave the companionway open on rainy ones
has made our boat extremely pleasant.
Some boats which were set up for crew work, like winches and main
traveller forward in the cockpit or aft on the cabin top will limit
the synergy between the dodger and the boat. Fortunately these were
located for singlehanding, and thus out of the way of a dodger on
ours.
Aside from quality materials, I think proper installation is key
to a good dodger. Ever seen one where the windows were so wrinkled
from poor fit that you couldnt see thru them ?
We have been extremely happy with ours, and plan to go back to the
maker in a couple years when it wears out (its got 3 seasons on
it, its white, and has had jet/train exhaust cleaned from it almost
weekly in that period). The mans name is Johnson who made it.
I will check the name/address next time I'm at the boat. His business
is somewhere in Rhode Island.
I can also recommend the work of someone who does the dodgers for
Irwin Yacht sales, at The Warf Marina, in Warwick. Call them for
the mans name. Regardless what you think of Irwin, this mans work
is first rate.
Walt (a dodger lover)
|
| 460.4 | GOOD ADDITION+GOOD COMPANY | PHENIX::JSTONE | | Mon Jan 12 1987 11:47 | 15 |
| I AGREE WITH .2. I HAVE AN ISLAND NAUTICAL DODGER WHICH IS EXTREEMLY
WELL CONTRUCTED. WHEN I WAS INSTALLING IT, I HAD SOME QUESTIONS
CONCERNING IT'S FASTENERS-I CALLED THEM UP, THEY HAD A GUY CALL
ME BACK AND EVEN SENT ME SOME MARKED UP DRAWINGS FOR WHAT I WANTED
TO DO. LOOK FOR GOOD QUALITY HARDWARE AS WELL AS THE FABRIC WHEN
CHOOSING A PARTICULAR DODGER.
I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE DODGER WAS ONE OF THE BEST ADDITIONS THAT
WE HAVE PUT ON THE BOAT. YOU WILL FIND THAT A DODGER'S ABILITY
TO BLOCK THE WIND IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT AS KEEPING YOU
DRY--PARTICULARLY IN THE SPRING AND FALL.
JOE
|
| 460.5 | | PULSAR::BERENS | Alan Berens | Mon Jan 12 1987 12:52 | 25 |
| re .3:
> Some boats which were set up for crew work, like winches and main
> traveller forward in the cockpit or aft on the cabin top will limit
> the synergy between the dodger and the boat. Fortunately these were
> located for singlehanding, and thus out of the way of a dodger on
> ours.
I think you're saying that on your boat, because it is rigged for
singlehanding, fitting a dodger was not difficult. Hmmmmm. Our boat is
also rigged for easy singlehanding. The mainsail traveler is at the aft
end of the coachroof over the companionway, there are four winches at
the aft end of the coachroof, and some 12 sheets, lines, and halyards
lead into the cockpit past the winches. Designing an attractive dodger
that would accomodate the clutter and still leave room to work would be
extremely difficult. For rainy weather at anchor we have a small, easily
rigged tarp that covers the companionway and much of the cockpit. This
works adequately in less than brisk breezes.
Owning one of the last 32' boats with tiller steering has at least one
advantage -- the helmsperson can steer while snuggled up to the bulkhead
at the front of the cockpit out of wind and spray. The far aft placement
of the wheels on many boats leaves the helmsperson very exposed to the
elements.
|
| 460.6 | I wouldnt have guessed tiller steering | GRAMPS::WCLARK | Walt Clark | Mon Jan 12 1987 13:47 | 37 |
| Re: .5 Touche.
I was refering to wheel steered boats when I referred to "located
for singlehanding" in reply .3. Most wheel steered boats with your
traveller/sheet winch locations are difficult to single hand (in
close quarters like bays). Because of the tiller, you can go quite
far forward while steering (I used to lean on the aft end of the
cabin while steering our 25).
As I understand your case, a dodger would be very nearly impossible
to make useful for more than a cover to the companionway.
I was thinking specifically of the Morgan 46 as a worst setup for
dodger boat (I think it was the 46 maybe it was a 38. It was a Nelson-
Marek high performance design). I saw one with a dodger. The main
winches were up under the dodger on the combings (I have no idea how
a handle was supposed to be used, but the winches were located convienently
for crew), and the main traveller was over the companionway hatch
(the front of the dodger went almost strait down from the forward
support tube, under the traveller, and horizontally forward to snaps
just ahead of the companionway).
By the way, I dont have halyards led to the cockpit, because aside
from infrequent halyard tensioning, I have to go on deck to reef
or furl sails anyway. I do have blocks to lead the vang aft (not
in use) and the headsail rolls up with sheet/furling lines at the
aft end of the cockpit. The singlehanding/me-on-deck thing will
likely be somewhat simpler this next season with the aquisition
of an autopilot (thanks Santa).
I guess if there is a message in this, it is to evaluate how well
a dodger integrates with your boat and sailing habits, before
spending the money.
Walt
|
| 460.7 | Lucky Walt | CSSE::COUTURE | | Mon Jan 12 1987 14:25 | 5 |
| What kind of an autopilot, Walt? Wish Santa had been that good
to me. Would you keep us posted on the installation?
Encore un ete
|
| 460.8 | more considerations | RDF::RDF | Rick D. Fricchione | Mon Jan 12 1987 14:34 | 59 |
| Wow.. 6 replies while I was sleeping off the flu!
There are a lot of things that make a dodger work or not work well.
Mid-boom sheeting vs end-boom, the amount of clutter on your cabin
top, the amount of side-deck room you have, and the placement of
the dodger with respect to the helm and cockpit. On some of the
newer Hunters for example (40 and 45), the setup is absolutely
horrible. On other boats its quite good. You just don't throw
one on, like adding a tape deck.
Re Alan: One of the first things I did before buying the boat was see how
well a dodger would work. A dodger sits quite well on this
one and *does* protect against spray. Didn't seem to get in the
way on the one we test sailed. I'm looking for spray
protection to be sure, but increased ventilation in wet
weather, and the ability to talk to someone below at those
times makes a difference.
I'm also putting two NF Solar Vents in for ventilation
when I'm not there.
Re Walt: Santa brought me a Loran and a CQR 45# anchor. I assume your
Autopilot is to gear up for the BOC? Congrats.
I've always liked your dodger, but can't imagine the work
involved in keeping a white dodger white.. I'd suggest
suggest throwing a plastic tarp over your slip before
you go home. :-)
Some considerations for me..
1. Size: I've seen two styles. One where the height of
dodger is such that the helmsman at the wheel
needs to look *through* the dodger, and another
where the height is just below standing eye level
to see over it. My preference is for the latter,
but traditionalists will say that the whole thing
was built to do the former.
2. Windows: Zipper in/out. How quickly they fog, do you
need side zippers, or just the front? Materials?
Do you usually run through a couple of sets of
these during the life of the dodger?
3. Framing: All stainless? How thick should it be? How easy
are they to repair?
4. Service: What kind of warranty? Can I get other things
made out of the same fabric?
5. Cleaning: Even though I'm not going with "Walt White"
(probably a dark Navy), I would like to feel
that its not too difficult to clean.
Rick
* Boat shows coming up.. find out more soon anyway..
|
| 460.9 | .8 NF BACKS THEIR PRODUCT | PHENIX::JSTONE | | Mon Jan 12 1987 15:24 | 11 |
| RE: .8
Rick
You might be interested in knowing that a fried of mine had
two NF Solar vents go bad (corroded motors). The vents were close
to being two seasons old and NF replaced them free! Not bad.
Hope you feel better.
JS
|
| 460.10 | | GRAMPS::WCLARK | Walt Clark | Mon Jan 12 1987 17:07 | 68 |
|
> Re Walt: Santa brought me a Loran and a CQR 45# anchor. I assume your
> Autopilot is to gear up for the BOC? Congrats.
Is BOC sponsoring a solo around Block and back ? :)
> I've always liked your dodger, but can't imagine the work
> involved in keeping a white dodger white.. I'd suggest
> suggest throwing a plastic tarp over your slip before
> you go home. :-)
White definitely has its drawbacks. The cover idea is a good one.
I will think about it. Last season, after finally getting it pristine
I started folding it and putting its cover on, but that left the
varnished teak brightwork around the companionway and the dropboards
exposed to weather. Back up it went.
> 2. Windows: Zipper in/out. How quickly they fog, do you
> need side zippers, or just the front? Materials?
> Do you usually run through a couple of sets of
> these during the life of the dodger?
I have nonmetal zippers. They show absoutely no sign of wear. My
dodger has zip out clear side panels (real nice on a hot day), and
the center front clear panel zips up and rolls (more ventilation).
The remaining dodger keeps a high sun out of the cabin - cooler).
I can only remember once when the panels fogged on the inside, that
was the wettest day I ever recall (rain and very high humidity with
warm temps). It fogs up (so to speak) nearly every morning that
dew settles, but that clears with the dew.
> 3. Framing: All stainless? How thick should it be? How easy
> are they to repair?
I wouldnt suggest anything but. As a matter of fact, if you expect
the dodger to be a more or less permanent fixture, consider a welded
7/8" to 1" stainless frame and non-folding installation. You wouldnt
believe how often we grab onto the dodger as a hand hold. With this
in mind, an additional "grab bar" about 2" aft of the aftermost
frame member will keep a lot of dirty hands off the fabric. These
ideas were stolen from a Hinkley at the Newport show. We may well
do it that way when we need to replace.
> 4. Service: What kind of warranty? Can I get other things
> made out of the same fabric?
Dunno. Most canvas shops are reasonable. I would guess that 1 season
would be reasonable and likely maximum.
> 5. Cleaning: Even though I'm not going with "Walt White"
> (probably a dark Navy), I would like to feel
> that its not too difficult to clean.
Most dodgers have a white strip across the rear of the cover, usually
made of a vinyl, which is probably for protecting the canvas (or
yacht'crylic) from hands. This is the dumbest thing I have ever
seen. Not only is white tough to keep clean, the texture of the stuff they
use (sorta simulated cloth) makes it nearly impossible to clean. Try
to get a matching vinyl (dark navy) if you can. I have a friend with
a Tartan 33 whose whole dodger is made of the vinyl I mentioned
(white naturally). It is hopeless.
Have fun
Walt
|
| 460.11 | good dodger | FDCV17::XXTEST | | Wed Jan 14 1987 14:14 | 3 |
| thurston sails in warren ri makes a very good dodger
|
| 460.12 | I want to see again | UNIFIX::BERENS | The Moderator | Mon Jul 06 1992 15:26 | 15 |
| [restored by the Moderator]
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GRANMA::HAJOHNSON 5 lines 21-JUN-1992 22:23
-< I want to see again >-
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I am looking for suggestions on cleaning and /or restoring the plastic
windows in a dodger.
Hank Johnson
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| 460.13 | | UNIFIX::BERENS | The Moderator | Mon Jul 06 1992 15:26 | 14 |
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SHIPS::GOUGH_P "Pete Gough" 5 lines 22-JUN-1992 02:39
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Hank,
If you have the patience try very fine Jewelers polish. Used to
work wonders on the rear windows of a Morgan!
Pete
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| 460.14 | Try Brasso | UNIFIX::BERENS | The Moderator | Mon Jul 06 1992 15:26 | 11 |
| [restored by the Moderator]
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FSOA::BERICSON "MRO1-1/L87 DTN 297-3200" 1 line 22-JUN-1992 12:17
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Last month's Practicle Sailor suggested using Brasso.
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