Hard Dodger Designs

[Da BigBamboo]

Ahoy all you salty dogs and cats! Looking to build a hard-top dodger with sunbrella and isenglass sides and front. Mainly would like to see photos of those already completed. I plan on making it sturdy enough to stand on by reinforcing the original hoops/frame with rigid supports rather than the old style nylon-webbing with snaphooks. Any ideas, suggestions or photos are greatly appreciated. I've not been able to locate any DIY plans on the net as of this date. A link would also be welcomed.
Thanks!!

[Talbot]

The trouble with making it that strong is the weight, and its impact on your stability.

Have a look at s/v exposure's pictures on this forum (multihull) for good pics of a hard top.

Dont forget when you make it that you really need to have at least one side capable of opening the window in front to allow fresh air into the cockpit, and you really need to be able to have a windscreen wiper on that one, so it needs to be glass not acrylic/polycarbonate

[Boracay]

I put a hard dodger on a model cruising yacht that I made.
As I was trying to see what it would look like in real life I emailed the designer and he suggested that the windows have to be as large as possible. I think that he is right, small windows look really strange in a dodger.
I also observed that color coordinating the dodger with the rest of the boat can look real good. I have seen some quite nice boats with the dodger made from the same material as the sail and hatch covers, bimini etc.
I would suggest dummying up using cheap ply, old broomsticks and cardboard etc. and then stepping back to get a decent perspective.
A possible starting point is to take two "sticks" back from either side of the hatch as the starting point.
This what my attempt looked like...
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k2...P2100Small.jpg

[AnchorageGuy]

have a look at ours here

http://www.marineryachts.com/owners/...seatrekweb.htm

The windshield is two pieces of Lexan joined in the center and the top is Starboard. Never needed wipers.

[Pblais]

The thing people screw up is the ablity to enter the cockpit moving aft from the deck. It often is an awkward movement so you need to consider the sweep of the sides so entry is easy. Ideally, you should step down before you have to duck under and not the other way around. You also need a grab rail that you can use to lower yourself back in. There is usually an area where you transition from the deck grab rails to the cockpit and a grab rail on the dodger usually is welcome when the boat is pitching a lot.

If you intend on adding a canvas connector and bimini how that will fit is something to consider. In the end the actual boat is the key as every boat is a bit different.

[hellosailor]

Isinglass will melt away very quickly on a boat:
"A semi-transparent, whitish and very pure form of gelatine, prepared from the air-bladders of certain fish, originally sturgeons, now largely cod, ling and carp."

[gonesail]

there is a nice article on building and installing a hard dodger on a Nicholson sloop in BoatWorks winter 2005.

There was also one in Good Old Boat a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I don't have that issue anymore, but a little research might locate it. It includes a step-by-step on designing and building one.

[Da BigBamboo]

Thanks for your ideas and replies. I will follow the leads you all gave me and see if I can't knock something up functional, sturdy and visually appealing!!!

Aloha, Mike

[Da BigBamboo]

Originally Posted by Chris31415

I put a hard dodger on a model cruising yacht that I made.
This what my attempt looked like...
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k2...P2100Small.jpg

Chris..thanks for the link...I like the way you did the hard dodger. It functions almost like a pilot house in way of visibility and protection.

Thanks for the ideas!

Nice job on the model as well

Aloha, Mike

[Da BigBamboo]

Originally Posted by Chuck Baier

have a look at ours here

http://www.marineryachts.com/owners/...seatrekweb.htm

The windshield is two pieces of Lexan joined in the center and the top is Starboard. Never needed wipers.

WOW guys! That's probably the nicest Mariner 40 I've seen. You guys aren't lacking for comfort for sure! It looks great on your boat.

I used to have a Mariner 31...really love (still do) that boat. Ever read the article in the Mariner Owners Association about the guy who bought and sold his Mariner...he said of the two happiest days of a boat owners life...Only one of those days applied with his Mariner (sad to see it go ) I can relate. Enjoy livin' the dream!!!!

[Da BigBamboo]

Mahalo Kai Nui...I'll dig around for it online.

Aloha, Mike

[Da BigBamboo]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Isinglass will melt away very quickly on a boat:
"A semi-transparent, whitish and very pure form of gelatine, prepared from the air-bladders of certain fish, originally sturgeons, now largely cod, ling and carp."

I didn't know that expensive clear plastic which darkens and cracks so quickly was made of --fish guts!!! Maybe I should try making my own!
Aloha, Mike

[Da BigBamboo]

Originally Posted by gonesail

there is a nice article on building and installing a hard dodger on a Nicholson sloop in BoatWorks winter 2005.

BoatWorks Winter 2005...thanks!! I'll check around for it.
Aloha, Mike

[Da BigBamboo]

Originally Posted by Pblais

The thing people screw up is the ablity to enter the cockpit moving aft from the deck. It often is an awkward movement so you need to consider the sweep of the sides so entry is easy. Ideally, you should step down before you have to duck under and not the other way around. You also need a grab rail that you can use to lower yourself back in. There is usually an area where you transition from the deck grab rails to the cockpit and a grab rail on the dodger usually is welcome when the boat is pitching a lot.

If you intend on adding a canvas connector and bimini how that will fit is something to consider. In the end the actual boat is the key as every boat is a bit different.

Thanks for the info Paul...I'll incorporate that in to my design.
Mahalo! Mike