Dodger Sticker Shock!

[sailingdog]

That price is pretty much in line with most of the prices I've seen for canvas work. As others have said, it really isn't a place to skimp and having a good dodger on the boat can make it a lot more comfortable.

[Giulietta]

I sell you mine for $1000...want it????

Maybe I can get rid of it, say it was stollen....my wife made me do it....man that is ugly....I really hate it....

Dodgers on boats is like bad make up on a woman....spoils the "natural" looks...don't do it....resist.....buy a wet suit and a blanket....

[7Psych]

Originally Posted by Giulietta

I sell you mine for $1000...want it????

Maybe I can get rid of it, say it was stollen....my wife made me do it....man that is ugly....I really hate it....

Dodgers on boats is like bad make up on a woman....spoils the "natural" looks...don't do it....resist.....buy a wet suit and a blanket....

Exactly as stated above...I hate the look of a dodger...Have NEVER had one and never will. That's what foul weather gear is for.....If you need a dodger to sail...then perhaps a power boat would best suit your needs. Everytime I see a dodger all I can think of is "floating condo"....

[PBzeer]

For daysailing perhaps, but I wouldn't want to be without my dodger when I'm cruising. When you're out there singlehanding, you don't need to be pounded by the weather all day. With mine, I can stand under the dodger and still be only a step away from the wheel.

[Giulietta]

John...I didn't say they aren't usefull, as I am guilty as charged of hiding behind it sometimes...

I said I think they are ugly....and spoil the looks of a boat, no matter what windows, hand rails, finish, fittings, style, shape, colours, stainless steel you use or manufacturer of choice...they're ugly, period....

[sailingdog]

His macho is threatened with the dodger on the boat, since his wife asked for it. The real reason he doesn't like having the dodger on the boat is that it reminds him who really owns the boat and wears the pants in the family.... after all, whose name is on the boat.

Originally Posted by Giulietta

John...I didn't say they aren't usefull, as I am guilty as charged of hiding behind it sometimes...

I said I think they are ugly....and spoil the looks of a boat, no matter what windows, hand rails, finish, fittings, style, shape, colours, stainless steel you use or manufacturer of choice...they're ugly, period....

[ccam]

Thanks Haleaki,
for the excellent pics and description of the dodger. I too am looking to purchase a dodger for my 33. Like laser, my quote was high and I expect to pay around 5k for the larger tubing, handrails, hardtop and bimini.

It's just that I have the same feel on dodgers as psych. Maybe the influence of my Harley for several years. It was most enjoyable without the bullet faring, that is of course, until I started thinking about the destination.

[JohnRPollard]

One option to reduce costs and to improve visibility is to go with a smaller companionway dodger. But either way you go, one nice feature is to add a small pocket at the top of the arch for a flashlight, so one is always available when returning to the boat in the dark. You can just see our mini-mag light in this photo:




Another option to consider instead of bulky zipper lapels/flaps, is a single cover of sunbrella that snaps in place and protects the windows as well as the zippers. This is a good option for folks that use their boats for weekend/vacation sailing (as opposed to full-time cruising). The cover wraps around the front of the dodger and drapes over all the windows and zippers. It gets removed and stowed when the boat is being used, but otherwise affords more protection during the majority of time when the boat is not being used. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of our arrangement...

Halekai, that's a very nice dodger! Did you make it yourself?

[Giulietta]

actually, after reading about more of the dodger posts, the following comes to mind:

Altough I don't like it but agree it is rather usefull, the following images make me believe my dodger has become a favorite among the youngest on my boat...several are known to make their confy nests there, which is good as we can see them as we sail...so it kinda warms my heart when I remeber who likes it and why...the shade and cool breeze provided make it a nesting spot all right...this is why its still there..the dodger stays, only for these reasons


Taking Fred to a race one cold early morning



The kid from hell giving us a break





Fred and his cousin Mariana



And his best friend and sister



Freds best friend

[sailingdog]

Gui-

Those are priceless...