Suggestions for Hard Dodger Construction Please

[DennisDW]

Greetings from St. Petersburg, Fla. It's full on summer and it's just too hot to day sail so I'm on to my projects.

I will be building a hard dodger for my Cambria 44. I have some experience with fiberglass part fabrication but I'm no pro. I would like the advice of those who are.

I want a full fixed dodger with hard top. I'll be mocking up the design in 1/4" ply to get the styling and dimensions down. I just haven't decided how I want to build it.

I certainly could make a female mold and lay it up with a foam core. I could build it out of marine ply in a stitch and glue format. I could use a high density core like Coosa board. Or maybe something else? I plan to use spray Awlgrip or equivalent as a finish and forego gelcoat- I think. I'm just not sure. I need a plan.

What do those of you who do this for a living think?
Dennis.