Advice,- Custom Dodger in a Tight Spot

[Catpainzmcspice]

Ahoy!

firstly, it's supposed to say *dodger* in the title... sorry....

I'm leaving for my solo circumnavigation of the globe in July, and until this point I decided that I can live without a dodger. But I figured what-the-heck, I'll throw this out to cruisersforum for suggestions....

There really isn't a streamlined, seaworthy way to install a dodger on my boat. The boom sits about a 1.5' above the companionway, the main traveler is directly forward of the companionway and the halyards run directly to the sides of the companionway. In other words, there's not a lot of room.

I've looked at examples in the boatyard and on the net and haven't seen any boats with my configuration that have dodgers.

If you guys were gonna dodgerize a boat like this, what are some design ideas? Also, I'll build it myself. I have the tools and skills to rig something, I just don't know what yet.

Thanks!

[Sailmonkey]

The brochure for your boat pictures a dodger on it......
Broad Reach » Bystedt 30 brochure pg. 3

[Catpainzmcspice]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

The brochure for your boat pictures a dodger on it......
Broad Reach » Bystedt 30 brochure pg. 3

that's not a dodger, it's the mainsheet traveler (that's actually my boat in the brochure... 30 years younger)

these are the best pics I could find of it:

[blgklr]

Perhaps you could construct a small hard dodger (ply & fiberglass) that incorparares the traveller as part of it. Well worth the effort for shelter from sun and weather on long passages.

[sailful]

Iversons in Seattle (Custom Dodgers Built by Iverson's Designs) do fantastic work. I saw some of their custom work at the Seattle Boat Show and was very impressed. They will be doing my cockpit enclosure in June.

[barnakiel]

You can build a cheap and strong dodger from some alloy tubes and PVC doublecoated fabric (cheap) or acrylic (more expensive but easier to work with). Alloy tubes are easier to bend and you place them in fittings available from any awning-store. The fittings screw into the cabin top - usung backing plates will make the whole thing stable but do use sealant round the fittings or else you will find them leaking one day.

To build the canvas hood you need some softer material first to build a mock, then use the mock to make the panels (most of the time at least 2 panels will be required. The tricky moment is to do the window(s) - you cut them in translucent material and place on the panel with two sided stickyback tape, then stich them on; removing excess panel material is done last (remember to make a little cut in the center to facilitate sliding the scissors in later.

Or else walk into any sailmaker and request a quote.

Cheers,
b

[sy_gilana]

FWIW I would get rid of the traveller and go to a twinsheet system, it serves the same purpose as the traveller, only better and simpler and you have snapshackles on the bottom so you can use it as a preventer too. Then you will have space for a dodger.
If you want more headroom, lower the gooseneck to make up for a shorter leech and stitch your main accordingly.

Seruously look into the twin sheet system, most French boats have them, even the Catana Catamaran does...

[barnakiel]

somethin' like this

The winches will only work in half arc (unless you move the small ones inboard, we did). This should not be an issue with such a small boat - only the last meter or so requires winching in).

BTW How does the traveler interfere with the dodger to be?

b.

[Sailmonkey]

I actually think gilana has the best answer, around the world the correct way the traveler will be of limited use. Twin sheet really would clear up a lot of room and would be more practical for a downwind circumnav.

[mrohr]

A good dodger is priceless,prevents fatigue from weather exposure, no ideas for your particular craft, but I believe almost any modification that allows for one will reward hugely.Or you could just buy a divers helmet and suit, probably should invest in a periscope too.

I just noticed your photo and it looks like you have tiller steering which is a further argument for the dodger since one can hunker down behind one and still manage your boat without being trashed by mother nature.

[barnakiel]

Traveler or twin sheets, keep the sheet attachment points out of the cockpit - then you will be able to enclose the dodger in rain. Also - you will gybe without undoing the bimini.


b.

[minaret]

Remove all the hardware that's in the way, build a beefy custom fiberglass hard dodger with canvas bimini, and reattach the traveler on the dodger roof along with anything else you had to remove to make room.

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by minaret

Remove all the hardware that's in the way, build a beefy custom fiberglass hard dodger with canvas bimini, and reattach the traveler on the dodger roof along with anything else you had to remove to make room.

+1

[Marksman]

My dodger was made by Artfull Dodger in Port Townsend. You can see from the picture how it works, the front is "lift a dot" fastend to the traveller and the lines go underneath. Works quite well.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by minaret

Remove all the hardware that's in the way, build a beefy custom fiberglass hard dodger with canvas bimini, and reattach the traveler on the dodger roof along with anything else you had to remove to make room.

+2!

b.