Dodger? Yes or No

[dmksails]

I think my Tashiba-31 would look better without a dodger. It would also make it considerably easier to get into the cabin. I'm tall and I have to bend over quite a bit to get under the dodger when going into the cabin.
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I realize that it will keep rain out of the cabin and that it helps keep spray out of your face when in rough weather - but 90% of the time it's just in the way

Anyone sailing without a dodger? Do you sail without it, but add it for long voyages?

[a64pilot]

If you head further South, you will find it's most important use.
Hard Dodger, or soft? If soft, doesn't it fold down or easily removable?

[bvander]

we sail Chesapeake to tropics, dodger very useful for weather and shade.

[denverd0n]

I consider a dodger to be must-have equipment. I certainly wouldn't go without one just because of how it looks. A well-designed one can integrate very nicely with the lines of almost any boat.

[accomplice]

In warmer weather, the dodger provided much needed shade from the sun. In cooler climates, the dodger protects you from cold ocean spray and rain. I, too, consider it nearly essential. (A bimini and, to a lesser extent, enclosure is important too)

Instead of getting rid of the dodger altogether, can it be redesigned such that you don't hit your head on it?

[thomm225]

Bending over is a good thing. We all need more flexibility.

Considered it part of your daily exercise routine.

A Dodger is so nice to have.

Besides what others have said it's good to be at anchor in sheltered water with say a 10 knot cool breeze. Sitting behind the dodger though you are out of the breeze but enjoying the fine temp.

[Stu Jackson]

Dodger height is a very subjective issue.

Here's my take on it. This second page of a two page link shows my dodger height and why I like it low. If you also click on the first page you'll see other examples as well as links to other pages with even more pictures.

Dodger Height with Flix

I sailed for 15 years on SF Bay without a dodger. Now, I wouldn't even consider going without one.

Good luck.

Your boat, your choice.

[model 10]

We don't have one. We do have a bimini and a windshield that we can rig in heavy rain. Otherwise I like to see what's going on. I don't see how people can sail without a clear view of the sails. Of course it's not cold where we sail and our cabin is kind of high so we have some protection.

[Stu Jackson]

How does a dodger limit the view of the sails?

[neilpride]

Dodger? haaa best investment for me after the AP... it make your life happy onboard ...

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

How does a dodger limit the view of the sails?

??? Because I can't see what they are doing through all that fabric and plastic and tubing?

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by Guy

??? Because I can't see what they are doing through all that fabric and plastic and tubing?

Are you confusing dodgers and biminis? I have never seen a dodger that interfered in even the least way with seeing the sails. Almost all biminis do to some extent.

[model 10]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Are you confusing dodgers and biminis? I have never seen a dodger that interfered in even the least way with seeing the sails. Almost all biminis do to some extent.

No I'm not. We could not live without a bimini but we can live without a dodger. Our boat has a tall cabin and a dodger blocks your view.

[EmeraldCoastSailor]

I purposely built my dodger taller than normal. It actually looks more like an extension of the bimini. Of course, it is literally an extension when I zip in the piece that joins the two but the dodger is about 2 inches lower than the bimini. I am in the south and protection from the sun is key for me. I typically run without the clear panels and let the air from. But to your point, I purposely built mine tall. I had the advantage of starting from scratch.

[Calif.Ted]

Where else can you stay out of the rain while on watch ? Sailing to windward in the rain there is a stream of cold water coming off the end of the boom straight into the helmsman face. Not long before I want to turn on the AP and huddle up under the dodger.