Aussie Dodger

[Mac26Mpaul]

You have probably seen it already Stan, but if not, here is the stuff Cameron is selling up here on the Gold Coast:

http://www.bluereefyachts.com.au/26mspares.htm

[capitanpicchio]

Hello everyone, I'm trying to build this, with appropriate modifications, if I can I post photos
GV
Jnhttp://tourdumondeenvoilier.msnyou.com/t1149-faire-sa-capote-de-descente-en-photo
hhgfnm

[capitanpicchio]

so maybe it's better
http://tourdumondeenvoilier.msnyou.com/ ... e-en-photo
gv

[Sea Shadow]

Thanks, fellas. I continue to be amazed - and so, so grateful! This forum (and its contributors) is just so bloody helpful. Lots to go on. Really appreciated.

Sea Shadow, thanks for the info. I know Dave personally - we are both members at Newhaven Yacht Squadron. He's been very helpful to me. He'll be my first point of action.

Great to hear the BWY little dodger is well regarded - and thanks for the explanation of the difference between clear vinyl and screen doors.

Thanks heaps.

Stan

Stan,

You'll find that the one I got has a lower profile, which I prefer, that follows the lines of the M26. I quite prefer this style.

Good luck.

[Ixneigh]

Anyone ever try a sliding hatch that is enlarged to be more like a dodger?
Ix

[mastreb]

Anyone ever try a sliding hatch that is enlarged to be more like a dodger?
Ix

I've talked about doing it, and as soon as I teach myself fiberglass fab, I'll attempt it. There was recently a post here where a gentleman made one out of marine plywood painted white. Looked pretty good.

[Russ]

Anyone ever try a sliding hatch that is enlarged to be more like a dodger?
Ix

I've talked about doing it, and as soon as I teach myself fiberglass fab, I'll attempt it. There was recently a post here where a gentleman made one out of marine plywood painted white. Looked pretty good.

I saw that mod, but couldn't see how it's better than a dodger. The dodger is like a convertible car top. You have the option to remove it if you want. It has clear windows that are good enough to see out of. So why do a hard top?
The only value to a hard top hatch is you can stand on it.

--Russ

[Relackson]

Thanks for the further information, fellas.

Sea Shadow, I spoke with Dave today and he thinks the canvas bloke "has left the building".

Bartmac, your photo is pretty small - difficult to see the dodger. Any other photos? Where did you get it? How much?

Mac26Mpaul, the Blue Reef Yachts one comes out over the headsail winch. I have the swivel cleats for the headsail sheets (bloody beauties!), so don't use the winches for these. But I do use them for the mainsail halyard. So, I really need a narrow dodger.

Therefore, I am keen on the Blue Water Yachts Compact Dodger and Vinyl Doors. I have sent an email to them with a heap of questions.

My main concern at this early stage, I suppose, is am I doing the right thing looking at getting the VINYL doors? Will they be too hot here in Aussie? I've asked if they can be left partly open.

Will wait for a response from them.

Thanks again, fellas.

Take care

Stan

[yukonbob]

Up here the vinyl keeps the heat in when we have the furnace running and allows it to feel more open. I would imagine the vinyl doors would make the boat hot in your neck of the woods.

[Jeff L]

Thanks for the further information, fellas.

Sea Shadow, I spoke with Dave today and he thinks the canvas bloke "has left the building".

Bartmac, your photo is pretty small - difficult to see the dodger. Any other photos? Where did you get it? How much?

Mac26Mpaul, the Blue Reef Yachts one comes out over the headsail winch. I have the swivel cleats for the headsail sheets (bloody beauties!), so don't use the winches for these. But I do use them for the mainsail halyard. So, I really need a narrow dodger.

Therefore, I am keen on the Blue Water Yachts Compact Dodger and Vinyl Doors. I have sent an email to them with a heap of questions.

My main concern at this early stage, I suppose, is am I doing the right thing looking at getting the VINYL doors? Will they be too hot here in Aussie? I've asked if they can be left partly open.

Will wait for a response from them.

Thanks again, fellas.

Take care

Stan

I would go with the screen doors BWY offer. I've heard it can be warm in Oz, and I don't think you need to trap warm air below decks.
If I go for a dodger and doors, I plan on screen doors. Where I plan to sail is Lake Tahoe Spring and Summer maybe early Fall.
Water much too cold to sail in Winter...
Jeff

[seahouse]

Anyone ever try a sliding hatch that is enlarged to be more like a dodger?
Ix

This would have to be made in such a way that it would easily move out of the way whenever the mast was lowered (unless you rarely lowered the mast). Even the Dowsar dodger hardware (that is left when the dodger is removed) requires that the mast be rotated for sufficient clearance when the mast is lowered. Otherwise the multiplied weight of the mast will rest on it, possibly damaging one or the other. I seem to remember that the design of the Tattoo 22 needed this consideration.

[bartmac]

Had a San Juan 25 which had a poptop and sometimes wish the mac had a poptop....then again the space the wider dodger makes under cover on either side of the hatch is rather handy for storage of things you don't want to loose overboard but still need at hand easily with out going down stairs

[Seapup]

Anyone ever try a sliding hatch that is enlarged to be more like a dodger?
Ix

I am messing with a sliding plywood box...




I spend 3-4 nights a week on the boat during the winter since its next to work for me. My purpose for it was a little headroom (6'3") and privacy so I could stand up while cooking, peeing or fixing my tie in the morning

Advantage of it over a dodger was it cost only $30. Does it dodge anything...not really. Would I take a dodger instead, of course


Its serving my purpose well. I have pipe insulation around the edges now to keep out the drafts, but when the temps stay below freezing I still slide the normal hatch closed so the heater keeps up easier.

So far I have been cozy and and appreciated the extra space standing upright. In our week of record lows and snow I was the only one to stay aboard and shovel off the dock daily to float around in the evenings and spend the night.




When sailing I leave it slid forward and hatch open as usual, once summer and sunshine comes it will either hit the scrap pile or be stored in the garage if still intact until next winter.

[yukonbob]

The black pipe insulation sure does the job, but this year I'm gonna try and find the white weather stripping I've seen on here somewhere. It looks like it came stock.

[stuendan]

Hey Relackson,

I have the standard full size dodger sold by Blue Reef Yachts (Mac dealer up on the Gold Coast) and up or down, it doesn't significantly interfere with going foward. In fact, when up, it provides something to hang on to when going forward. I don't know if you can get doors for it though.