Replacement Dodger

[Hm2michaud]

Has anyone purchased a Dodger from "The Canvas Store", in Huntington, NY? I have a 25 year old Catalina 30, out of Falmouth Ma. which we day sail and take a few costal cruises each summer. They offer a mail order replacement dodger for about half the price of a custom built dodger. Given our limited use of the boat the price makes sense, but I am interested in the fit, durablity, installation and working with this vendor. I am also interested in other suggestion for vendors of mail order dodgers that offer a good quality product at a competive price. Thanks!

[Brezzin]

I can't say anything about the dodger but what I can tell you I bought a boat cover from them. I really was not to happy with fit of the cover at all. Workmanship was OK but nothing to jump up and down about. The boat cover itself was a strandard pattern for my boat so I figured it should have fit better than it did. If your dodger is a replacment then the frame and snaps are already on the boat right? Lining up the snaps may be a challange on a generic dodger.

[k1vsk]

There have been a number of both good and bad stories recently regarding experiences with TCS; one in particular of someone having to sue and then having to go back to count to enforce an unpaid judgement. Not sure how indicative this is of their overall customer service but be forewarned. My personal experience is limited to helping a friend install a new winter cover they made for him and it did not fit correctly but was good enough to allow for adjustment and diy modifications such that it serves the purpose.

Bottom line - you get what you pay for, usually... If it's a cheap pattern vs. custom made, the price should be less and the fit may similarly be less than you expected.

[paulk]

I must have read the same thread as k1vsk on Sailboatowners.com Not much nice said there. Despite having a "standard" boat, the dodger on your Cat 30 is probably different from the one on the Cat30 on the mooring next to you. Especially if yours is 25 years old. Who made the original dodger? Are they still in business? Are they at all convenient? You will likely be much happier with the results from an outfit who will come out to your boat, measure, and then make the cover fit properly (or close to it) the first time. It may take more than one try to make it right. Dealing with someone near where you are will make it easier - and in the long run, cheaper.