Price for Dodger on a Benateau 343

[sinnerman]

Sailing in SF, I can understand the need for a dodger.

A well made bimini and dodger will not be cheap.

You have the tubing (preferably stainless, not aluminum), the canvas and the labor.

I was quoted $3K a few years ago , just for a bimini.

cheers

[karista]

Originally Posted by Scubaseas

Try Island Nautical. Last 30 years I've had two dodgers from them. Very reasonably priced. They used to be in NY but sold/moved to Florida. Nothing fancy but decent quality and you will have to fit your own grommets. Mine last about 15 years before the fabric gives out. Frame is still good after 30 years.


https://www.facebook.com/IslandNautical/

They are long gone. Declared bankruptcy several years ago.




Just had my bimini replaced on existing frame on a Catalina 34, cost was $1500. Now had estimates to replace existing dodger on existing frame, estimates ranged from $3200 to $5800. You need to shop around and know the exact materials you want quoted.

[SuW]

Originally Posted by George_SD

Sailrite offers a DIY option for less, but you need to do your homework
https://www.sailrite.com/Sail-and-Canvas-Kits

Boat canvas is one of the major expenses on a boat. (Engine, sails, interior cushions being others). Depending on size and features you can easily spend $5K and up.

If you have the money, get a professional to make you a frame to your liking. There are lots of options, so take lots of pictures of other boats, especially ones similar to yours.

We've made our own dodgers & biminis (2 versions) and full cockpit enclosures using Sailrite kits and supplies. Their fabric, window material, zippers, patterning material, frame accessories, advice and videos tutorials etc. etc. are fabulous! You'll save a lot if you can take the trouble to make it yourself.

The framing they sell results in a kind of square effect, with a mostly flat top. They sell framing elbows (hockey stick shape), and either straight or gently curved crown pieces. The result, if your boat is stationary in a rainy environment, can be a large pool on the top of the fabric.

In our second generation versions, we bent the crown to make it more curved - this was a fairly difficult process in 1" stainless!

[SuW]

Oh, and another thing: We find having grabrails on the dodger - at the stern end and along the sides - is really helpful when moving about the cockpit.
That will add a few hundred more (even from Sailrite) but it was worth it for us.

[MicHughV]

Having built my own dodger before, I can tell you it is expensive and labor intensive.
You'd be wise to get the s/s bows professionals bent by someone that has the equipment to do so, otherwise that could become a problem.
All the bows in all the frames need to match up.
Then come a variety of s/s fittings.
Pro's usually bring a lot of heavy paper, scissors and tape along, once the bows are fitted to make a template for the cover.
Fitting and sewing the clear acrylic to the canvas is extremely challenging.

This all assumes you have a sewing machine up to the task, and have at least a modicum of sewing skills.

My finished dodger looked ok, but it was clear to most any observer that it was homemade