We ran the survey yesterday in San Diego and it was an uneventful success, all is in order.

Plan now is to install a dodger in July and drive up to San Francisco in August.

Any suggestions on dodger designs?

We want a big one as both of us are tall, considering a future solar install on top. Grab rails and pouches too.

Would love any photos or links to smart designs.

Thank you in advance!

Brent

I got the factory dodger. We then made some small modifications - added hand grabs on either side on the outside to help when boarding and a long handrail on the aft edge of the top for holding on to while standing around. A zippered center window  is a must I think. Removable covers to protect the window panels when not in use would also be nice. There’s a lot of possibilities.

Their office is on Shelter Island.  They did a great job.  The windows can be removed and we had them sew in two pockets for cell phones.

This is very similar to the factory dodger. On mine, only the center window unzips and can be rolled up for ventilation. The extra handles like you have are essential. I also had side ones added for use when exiting the cockpit. If I had a chance to customize it from the beginning, I would add removable covers for the isinglass windows. I’m on my second set of windows right now. I also wish it folded down easier for docking ease. The curved windows on the corners are a little troublesome in that regard.

Couple questions: what have you done with your teak in the cockpit to make it look so great?

Also, noticed a couple mounted items on the sides of your companionway. Curious to know what you have up there.

Much appreciated 

Brent

This is the dodger we built.    Different glass on the front panels which all zip out easily.  Note the grab rails.

This is the bimini that attaches to the dodger via a connector panel.   

We put solar on the bimini.  None on the dodger and connector panel. 

This is a US supplier of sewing and marine fabrics.

They have some excellent videos on making various canvas items.

Check out their vid on making a California style dodger, that is what my version is. Essentially a fabric roof section, with zip on clears on three sides. This gives an airy look, not so hooded as the standard types shown, I think it enhances the look of the boat, from a side view it is hard to see a dodger is installed. And for tropical or racing, you can zip off the clears.

A year I later added 2 awnings.  One to cover the deck lounge (dodger to mast), the other to cover the mast to the sail locker.  Even with Sunbrella fabric it was not very expensive and it is an easy & quick setup.  I wouldn't leave them on unattended and it does take storage space, but it reduces the heat in the boat.  Since it covers the bow hatches, I can leave them open all night and not be on "rain watch".

For the forward-most point, I have an extra stay that some may not have and then it makes use of 2 small pad eyes that were already on the boat.  Your canvas maker would need to figure out the forward attachment.

Those awnings are excellent, great suggestion and already thinking about how to attach.

Jon, would you kindly share a photo of the cockpit connections? Looks like some solar up there. Trying to see how overlapped the awning/dodger/bimini may be

Cheers!

It doesn't overlap the bimini, but it does attach to the frame with similar straps (don't have a picture of that).  Instead, it is scalloped back.

My bimini is not the factory one, though.

In the PNW this is the fabricator of choice for dodgers/ biminis.

Not sure they are still servicing the SF Bay Area but worth giving it a try, they are top quality.

Went with a local shop, recommended by the dealer.

Not entirely satisfied with the design and craftsmanship.

Glass is good, steel frame good, design & stitching not.

Already need to have repair work in The Bay Area and will take it as a learning.

(glad to have at-least had the dodger installed for the drive north from San Diego Last week)

probably good enough in a pinch, although we will try to avoid