Labor estimate for dodger and sailcover replacement

[TacomaSailor]

Mirador (Caliber 40 Hull 4072) has a 24-year old sailcover and 14-year old dodger. Both are still in decent shape but it is really time to replace them. I am well aware of the cost of sunbrella and have no argument with the material costs in the proposal I just received.

The center window on the dodger will zip out and have a U-shaped center section that can be un-zipped and then rolled down to allow air flow

Sunbrella for 8' x 4' dodger = 6.5-yards

BUT - 33-hours labor to create a new dodger, which will use the existing, and very well made, frame? I am shocked at an estimate of 33-hours labor at $85 / hour.

Is that amount of labor typical for a dodger replacement?

The sailcover is the same issue - 16-hours labor for a simple cover with a zipper on the mast end, twist connectors along the bottom, and a leather reinforced cutout on the boom end for the halyard to attach.

Sunbrella for 10' x 11' sailcover = 19 yards

Is that amount of labor typical for a mainsail cover?

I have attached a photo showing the dodger from the cockpit.

[WSMFP]

That price is absurd. I paid $1200 (in labor and materials) two years ago to have a similar dodger with u zip in the window replaced. I also had two clear side panels made. Frame was already there. I'm also in SW FL. Unfortunately the shop that sewed mine in out of business as the owner retired.

There are some shops in the area that are asking really insane rates. I was quoted $5,500 by one of the bigger name shops to replace my dodger and bimini which was truely laughable. That's 1/4 of what I paid for the boat.

Shop around. Try to find a smaller mom and pop type place.

[kenbo]

If you're willing to use your existing dodger and cover as templates, find an inland awning shop where marine canvas is not in the name. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[cortezsailor]

Both way overpriced

[Tillsbury]

I paid US$800 for a new long-arm walking foot industrial sewing machine on a table, and did the lot myself Also rope bags, tool bags, side covers, replacement seat cushions, cockpit cushions, sail ties, the list goes on and on...