Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger - Pros / Cons

[Bluemansailor]

Hi sded -
love your dodger. One of my winter projects is to replace the existing- a poorly made dodger with a hard top- soft side and windows dodger. Could you post more photos of yours- or any more info
thanks

[Duke 48]

Originally Posted by Bluemansailor

Hi sded -
love your dodger. One of my winter projects is to replace the existing- a poorly made dodger with a hard top- soft side and windows dodger. Could you post more photos of yours- or any more info
thanks

I used a CAD program to develop the pattern for the sides and top.

It is basically a zip tie stitch and polyester glue construction, tough I did use screws to hold the temporary horizontal bracing.

I used strips of fiberglass cloth to seal the seam before the princess and I took the dodger to the boat for a "dry fit".

Satisfied with the fit, I removed the the stitching, then filled and fared as needed, before adding a layer of 1 1/2 oz. mat on both the inside and outside.

Next the windows were laid out and cutout. The most difficult part of the project was cutting out the windows. It was slow and I know I went through at least a half dozen saw blades, because they dulled so quickly.

Some more sanding, then a second layer of mat goes on the outside. Still more sanding then all of the edges were sealed with resin.

I still have to do the painting and install the screens and clear vinyl windows before installing the dodger aboard BELIEVE.

Here are some of the pictures we took as the project progressed.
Duke

[Tia Bu]

Nice looking dodger, Duke. For what it's worth, I just got through making a new soft dodger and bimini for our 30' boat. This was a fun project. It only took about a month in my spare time. The total cost was less than $200 for fabric, window material, zippers, etc. This does NOT include the stainless tubing, which was already in place and in good shape.

I used downloadable instructions from Sailrite ($5 each) and my wife's old 1970's era Kenmore sewing machine. Since my wife is an experienced seamstress, she taught me how to shop the seconds outlets for material. We ended up getting top quality stuff for about a quarter of the regular retail price.

Now I'm looking at some of these hard dodgers and getting dodger envy. Guess I ought to start working on full enclosure curtains...

[Duke 48]

Tia Bu,
Lets see some pic of your dodger. I have done some fabric projects - cushions and sail cover - but when it comes to the dodger / bimini so far I have only worked on repairs.
Duke

[hgd137]

A hard dodger is really a positive addition. Check out what I made for my Passport 40. Passport 40 – S/V Grendel | Passport 40 – Sailing Vessel Grendel

[Tia Bu]

Well, I don't know if you can get much from these photos, but here they are. The boat is a long drive from here, so I haven't put them on yet.

The bimini is considerably easier to make than the dodger, so it's probably a good idea to do that one first, so you can learn how to manoeuvre those long seams through the sewing machine.

But all in all, it's not too tough. I'm not experienced at sewing. My wife, who is, helped me a bit with the patterning, shopping, and setting up the machine. But I did most of the work myself as a newbie.

[Sabbatical II]

How's this for a neat dodger, made in QLD Australia. Cost is about $8000 AUS depending on size.

[Duke 48]

"How's this for a neat dodger, made in QLD Australia. Cost is about $8000 AUS depending on size."

Nice dodger. What boat was it made for? Are there any pictures of the dodger installed?

[Sabbatical II]

[Sabbatical II]

I'm having more trouble getting text and photos on the one reply. The Aussie built dodger was supposed to be for a Catalina but it doesn't say which size. The one on "Billabong" appears to be the same or similar but it doesn't like like A Catalina to me.

[Duke 48]

Finally, it is installed. This was my first large FG project. All things considered, I am pleased with the outcome.
Duke

[Vasco]

One boat I saw had an interesting solution to an economical hard dodger. He used a semi truck roof spoiler, looked pretty good on his boat. I don't have a photo of the boat but here's what he used. Just the spoiler, he didn't get the semi.

[SVTatia]

Nice looking dodgers. Good work Duke.

I have a question:

How are these hard dodgers attached to the boat? They have to be hefty and survive a breaking wave and not have your hard work washed overboard.
Are they laminated? Bolted on? Both? So they need strong "feet"?

I have some plans, but I am stuck on the attachment point, which to me could be the weakest link.

Thanks

[Duke 48]

I built the dodger strong enough to easily hold my weight, > 200 lb. It is through bolted to the cabin top with 1/4" SS bolts. Duke

[SVTatia]

Hey thanks Duke. More details if you don't mind:
When you did the dry-fit, you obviously checked the bolt locations. Did you have to reinforce the deck, or not sure if you have a headliner - did you have to do any reinforcements there (for the compression)?
I also assume you caulked the base to the hull.
Did you use SS brackets for the deck attachments or you had some kind of "foundation" built in the base of the dodger?
Thanks again.