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Old 03-07-2011, 05:21   #1
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Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger - Pros / Cons

The admiral and I are considering installing a dodger on our Morgan 321. While she thinks it should be a soft (frame / cloth) installation I favor a hard (fiberglass w/ core) to support my weight when I need t attend to the sail or other business at the end of the boom. Having had experience with neither we would appreciate info from those who have.
Thanks- Duke
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Old 03-07-2011, 15:11   #2
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

I prefer the soft unless you are off shore in cold climates a lot. There are many advantages to a soft one including the ability to get it out of the way when making a tricky landing or tending the sail on the boom. Getting up on top the dodger was always a bit of a gymnist thing to do for a tween (between 65 and 70) so I like the ability to just fold the soft dodger out of the way and stand on the cockpit seats to take care of the boom.
Advantage of the hard dodger is that you can mount things permanently on it. Solar panels for example.
kind regards,
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Old 03-07-2011, 15:20   #3
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke 48 View Post
The admiral and I are considering installing a dodger on our Morgan 321. While she thinks it should be a soft (frame / cloth) installation I favor a hard (fiberglass w/ core) to support my weight when I need t attend to the sail or other business at the end of the boom. Having had experience with neither we would appreciate info from those who have.
Thanks- Duke
If you've never had a dodger before, you're gonna love either one - a big improvement in overall comfort in any kind of weather.
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Old 03-07-2011, 16:46   #4
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

I'd go with a hard dodger and put some solar panels on it too. Go with a soft dodger if you want to race and also keep giving money to the sail lofts to repair or replace them every few years.
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Old 03-07-2011, 16:53   #5
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

We've had a soft bimini for 27 years after 13 years spent with no more protection than hats and sunsceen. Much depends on your reach and configuration. I have no difficulty managing tasks on my boom with the soft cover, but then I have mounted items on my mizzen and dinghy davit. I have only removed the dodger to alleviate windage for hurricanes or to facilitate the exchange of a propulsion engine or generator. If your design really requires a hard top for mounting and boom access, then it could be worthwhile, but not for me. I think the boat will dictate the need.
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Old 03-07-2011, 17:14   #6
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

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Originally Posted by mbianka View Post
I'd go with a hard dodger and put some solar panels on it too. Go with a soft dodger if you want to race and also keep giving money to the sail lofts to repair or replace them every few years.

Agree, canvas work in the US is very expensive, build a decent hard one, then paint it occasionally.
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Old 03-07-2011, 19:09   #7
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

I have always made my own (pictures attached). The big advantage I found was I stopped falling into the open hatch of the companionway...But then again...you're in pretty good shape 99% of the way to the sole...
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Old 03-07-2011, 19:16   #8
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

I have to vote for the soft one. But it really would depend on the boat. A hard one is just too permanent so you really have to get it right, it could be unaesthetic, in your way or affect resale value. Also once you have the SS frame you could have a several soft covers made for what a hard one would cost you. Just my $.02s.

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Old 03-07-2011, 19:28   #9
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

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Originally Posted by glenn.225 View Post
I have to vote for the soft one. But it really would depend on the boat. A hard one is just too permanent so you really have to get it right, it could be unaesthetic, in your way or affect resale value. Also once you have the SS frame you could have a several soft covers made for what a hard one would cost you. Just my $.02s.

Glenn
I will admit if you're not handy at FG work the cost is more to have a hard dodger made. However I have made all three of those dodgers for under $400 each not including solar panels. As far as resale...if it's an offshore vessel someone is looking for, then by far they would select a hard dodger. But hey...I could be wrong
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Old 04-07-2011, 01:37   #10
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

Thanks for the feedback. We especially appreciate the photos. With the current configuration on BELIEVE we only have about 18" between coach roof / deck and the boom. Also, the boom is end sheeted with the traveler mounted on the bridge deck. If anyone has a dodger mounted with a similar arrangement a picture would help us visualize what BELIEVE could look like.
Thanks - Duke (& Princess-di)
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Old 04-07-2011, 02:45   #11
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

Duke:

For hard dodgers examples you can check the following page:
https://picasaweb.google.com/steve.m...rsForSailBoats#

And for soft dodgers examples, the more beautiful to my eyes are here:
Gallery of Dodger Photos by Iverson's Designs

For sure you will find somthing here that fits your boat.

JuanJo
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Old 04-07-2011, 04:28   #12
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

JuanJo
The pictures are a great help
Thanks
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Old 04-07-2011, 04:59   #13
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

If you build a hard dodger. Put in some rain gutters that can be hand grips also. Then you have a water catchment system too. I was surprised at how much rain can be caught in a small area.........i2f
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Old 04-07-2011, 05:19   #14
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

actually the pros recommend you put the solar panels aft of the boom .. a hard top bimini would be better for that.
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Old 04-07-2011, 05:28   #15
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Re: Soft Dodger or Hard Dodger: Pros / Cons

I have had a Wavestopper hard dodger for 11 years now and am still very pleased with it. Fiberglass top, 1 1/2" SS bows, lexan windows, Stamoid fabric, and it all unzips/disassembles as necessary. You can stand on it to work on the boom, but I have mounted solar panels on the rails for more deployment flexibility.
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