Getting wet-Dodger Question for the M

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

Look at the dowsar pic -

Maybe it is just the angle of the picture, but it looks like that dodger does not go back far enough to protect the companionway from rain. Seems like the dowsar dodger for the X boat goes back a lot further. Even my "factory" wide dodger seems to come back a little further than this M dodger.

I'm still trying to decide between going custom with a local shop or buying one of the standard types sold by the various third parties. I've had discussions with one canvas maker who has made some stuff for me. The idea would be to park the boat just outside his shop and then raise the mast so he could build it around all the various rigging. Only problem is that isn't the best part of town so I'm not sure I want to leave my boat there for several days.

[ssichler]

Maybe it is just the angle of the picture, but it looks like that dodger does not go back far enough to protect the companionway from rain. Seems like the dowsar dodger for the X boat goes back a lot further. Even my "factory" wide dodger seems to come back a little further than this M dodger.

I'm still trying to decide between going custom with a local shop or buying one of the standard types sold by the various third parties. I've had discussions with one canvas maker who has made some stuff for me. The idea would be to park the boat just outside his shop and then raise the mast so he could build it around all the various rigging. Only problem is that isn't the best part of town so I'm not sure I want to leave my boat there for several days.

The mainsheet/traveler of the M seems to be the reason it doesn't go as far back. You can always just close the hatch. We have so little rain here that I must confess to not having sailed when it's raining.

As far as local vs. mail order/existing, I'm torn also. I just had a mainsail cover made by a local shop and it was their first time making one for the mac. Did not turn out well. At least with someone like Dowsar or Blue Water Yachts you know you aren't the beta test/guinea pig as they have made many before and seen what works and what doesn't.

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

How do you like your dodger? Does it cut down on spray much?

it should be a standard item included on all Macs.

- it protects the cabin when the hatch is open.
- protects the first mate when motoring or sailing in undesireable weather.
- with the auto pilot on, the captain can climb under, stay protected, and still see what's going on
- granted, it does not cover the entire beam of the boat. but it allows me to walk around to access the front
- it's small and light enough to put up and take down quickly for trailer boaters like me

bottom line, the $800 i paid via BWY, although a bit pricey, is very much worth it. just like the larger engine is a must for most Mac owners.

[Terry]

Maybe it is just the angle of the picture, but it looks like that dodger does not go back far enough to protect the companionway from rain. Seems like the dowsar dodger for the X boat goes back a lot further. Even my "factory" wide dodger seems to come back a little further than this M dodger.

The mainsheet/traveler of the M seems to be the reason it doesn't go as far back. You can always just close the hatch.

I never noticed until it was brought to my attention that the dodger may not completely cover the companionway. I do like how the X version extends back into the cockpit more to protect the crew member sitting against the bulkhead though. Is there any reason why the bail for the mainsheet attachement to the boom could not be moved back a few inches to accomodate an extended dodger? I am still waiting for Nautimoments to receive his full enclosure from Dowsar to see how it fits before I decide where to get my dodger for next year. Perhaps Genco has a more improved design, waiting to see pics. There is a C&C 35 two slips down from me who had canvas done somewhat locally, (by that I mean he had to cross the straight to have it done on the island, no big deal though) and his looks first class, but then it should as he mentioned it was very expensive, but they also installed it. It may cost substantially more to have it done locally but if it is an experienced shop they can do a good job even if it is their first Macgregor. I am not sure I want to install one myself yet and if a custom one can be made locally and is designed more to my liking then I may go that route. I am not willing to pay for or make do with something I don't really like and the BWY dodger is not to my liking even if it is cheaper. I am looking forward to seeing more options, lets see what Genco comes up with.

[They Theirs]

Seems a convertible helm position such this, confirmed in yachts operated by our grandfathers would benefit in clearing the cockpit and placing the helmsman near or under the protection provided from a Dodger. Of coarse I prefer the benefits of a tiller for sailing and the dual helm could boast many other benefits.

[ssichler]

http://www.braemor.co.uk/id17.html

I like the looks of this one.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

You can sail with the Dowsar M dodger in place (up). If you compare the pictures of the M one above with the pictures posted of my Dowsar X version you can see why.

The Dowsar M dodger stops at the aft end of the cabin. This let's the traveler still function. You just remove the connector between the dodger and the bimini and you can sail with both in place.

The same is true of the Dowsar X enclosure I have (you can even go upwind with the sides in place and only the sunroof open for the mainsheet). There is a big difference in protection. because the M dodger has to stop short of the traveler you do not get full cockpit protection. The X dodger wraps around the front of the cockpit extending 18" back. This provides two completely protect seats at the front of the cockpit on the X. We never lower our dodger. It goes up at setup time and down when back on the trailer. (When we go out mastless we don't even put it down for trailering, we just zip out the front window.)

Here's the inside view


For both the X and the M dodgers (and full enclosures) you have to fold down the dodger and the bimini to lower the mast. The dodger does fit under the mast when it is in the storage position at the bow pulpit, but not when it is rolled back and attached to the mast step.

This brings up a mod I have thought about a number of times. I want to put a fixed 30" mast section at the step and raise the hinge point up. It would be just above where the gooseneck attaches. This would let you lower the mast and put it in the storage position without having to remove the boom, vang, boomkicker, mainsheet, etc. The mod would be designed so the aft mast roller was above the bimini. This would let you lower the mast with the covered mainsail/boom, dodger, bimini, full enclosure up and in place. It would save a lot of setup time.

Then I could switch from a soft dodger to a hard dodger with real windows and wipers, yet another follow on mod.

[Highlander]

Their is an x on the Genco web site as I got a quote from them for my

John

[pokerrick1]

Dowsar makes a wide dodger for the 26M - but it's expensive. Genco gave me a more reasonable quote.

May I ask what they were?

Rick

[beene]

http://www.dowsar.com/options2.htm

G

[ssichler]

Dowsar makes a wide dodger for the 26M - but it's expensive. Genco gave me a more reasonable quote.

May I ask what they were?

Rick

Genco quoted me $1195 Canadian back in May.

[Joe 26M Time Warp]

This brings up a mod I have thought about a number of times. I want to put a fixed 30" mast section at the step and raise the hinge point up. It would be just above where the gooseneck attaches. This would let you lower the mast and put it in the storage position without having to remove the boom, vang, boomkicker, mainsheet, etc. The mod would be designed so the aft mast roller was above the bimini. This would let you lower the mast with the covered mainsail/boom, dodger, bimini, full enclosure up and in place. It would save a lot of setup time.

Then I could switch from a soft dodger to a hard dodger with real windows and wipers, yet another follow on mod.

Alright, I was right there behind you until... well, you went completely overboard I think. Windshield wipers? There's no way! I think. Well I mean you could probably do it but... Actually, I'll have to get back to you on this.

[eric3a]

..

[Night Sailor]

Weather, or lee clothes are the only solution I've come up with for spray to the cockpit if you only have a dodger.
The dodger I plan to make with have a zippered wing that extends from the front of the dodger to the lifeline, then continue back as far as necessary to stop the low level spray from coming directly to the cockpit. Clear forward, opaque further back. Unzip it or step over it to go forward, but all the lines i have led aft would go under it.

Seeing the pictures here made me notice for the first time that some dodgers fold forward, some back. And none work with the standard jib up and running. All seem to use more tubing than is necessary. Maybe because it's always been done that way?

[Joe 26M Time Warp]

Weather, or lee clothes are the only solution I've come up with for spray to the cockpit if you only have a dodger.
The dodger I plan to make with have a zippered wing that extends from the front of the dodger to the lifeline, then continue back as far as necessary to stop the low level spray from coming directly to the cockpit. Clear forward, opaque further back. Unzip it or step over it to go forward, but all the lines i have led aft would go under it.

Seeing the pictures here made me notice for the first time that some dodgers fold forward, some back. And none work with the standard jib up and running. All seem to use more tubing than is necessary. Maybe because it's always been done that way?

When it comes to design considerations nothing beats this forum, and the people here. Thanks to all.
Night Sailor, I'm pretty sure you're mistaken about the jib. As I understand it the difference between dodger designs vrs deal primarily with the different control locations; X mainsheet on the pedestal, M traveler farther forward. In both cases the jib sheets require only that the connector panels between the dodger & bimini are (as Duane says) "removed". However, in Duane's pics of the Dowsar it looks to me like the connector could be partially opened, so the jib sheets could still function. And someone else mentioned they open the connector panels from bottom to top and can leave it stored in that position.