Wonder if the OP ever got a dodger? Hope he sailed the Ericson for a bit to determine if he really needed one. I sail the SF Bay as well, and took my dodger off to do some work on the companion way years ago. It's not going back on as long as I own the boat unless I go cruising.
Better visibility. Easier access to control
lines and it's rare that I find myself putting the foulies on any earlier. Last, and least importantly...the boat looks a lot better without the dodger.
Unless you have a really wet boat or are going offshore, I'd think twice before shelling out over $3,000!
BTW, a dock mate recently spent 3K to have a dodger re-canvassed on a Cal 29. I couldn't believe it!