Bimini with built dodger vrs proper dodger

[bobfnbw]

Our bimini has a front panel with plastic glass that zips in, with a zip down middle. Boat is a center cockpit model.

Like the look of a seperate dodger/bimini.

Wondered what the pros and cons are to each. The sunbrella is pretty old, and doesn't stop water so a new one is in order when I can get to it... when ever that is.

It is harder to put a seperate dodger on a CC boat, but not impossible, yet most have the zip on panels on the bimini like ours.

Any thoughts ?

Thanks, Bob

[Talbot]

The bimini does not really create any wind resistance yet provides shelter from a lot of the elements. As soon as you start adding sides, the wind resistance increases significantly - something that needs to be considered as the wind increases - especially if you are manoeuvring in a marina!

Zips provide a good way to easily add/remove sections and provide a decent seal between the bimini and the dodger. Velcro is not strong enough, and the pop-the-dot fasteners are a pain!

I like a bolt rope slide-in for the base of the front window as again it provides a good seal.

Just make sure that the zip is a large strong and plastic one!