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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Quick Survey - Dodger or no Dodger?

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redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/14/2008 : 10:50:01

How many choose the bimini instead? I personally considered our dodger on our C25 a safety item, and consider our current setup equally important. With the wish list topic running, I wondered, anyone want a dodger? The canvas community is hurting too - could be a good time! We had a new dodger and bimini made last year with the new undercoated Sunbrella. Won't leak. Also, Lexan windows - awesome! Anyway, for those of you who have had to run a few hours in bad weather under your dodger you know what I'm talking about!

We recently ran into a couple of newbie snow birds on a new to them boat sans dodger. The captain stated that he liked feeling the effects of the wind. I of course thought that they were gonna get their butts handed to them when offshore.

SO, I am curious, how many dodgers versus sans dodger of you are out there. Lake effect waves are tougher than offshore some days, any trailor sailors with a dodger?

sten

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 11:38:38

I got a bimini for Passage, positioned to partly cover the companionway, and was considering making a "dodger" extension--a wrap-around windshield that would attach to the bimini and the cabintop, with a zippered panel that would allow the pop-top to be raised or to just let air flow through. But that was then... Now I have a hardtop, windshield, and three wipers.

I've been out in some big chop where I was running the wipers full-time--never felt a drop. The only trouble is when I stop them, the salt fogs over the windshield. Maybe I should rig some washers...

BTW, a friend clued me in on this... If you're stuck at the helm in really snotty weather, a diver's mask can make things a lot more comfortable, all things being relative.

Edited by - on

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1773 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 13:08:48

I have neither a dodger or bimini on this boat but have had dodgers on past boats and found them, overall, to be a royal pain in the neck. Why? I primarily do coastal day sailing and short over nights. In the heat of summer the dodger reduces air flow and is always a pain to get around. That being said, Sten, it appears you do serious all weather sailing and a dodger may add a level of security/comfort that more casual sailors like myself do not need. I have been more interested in adding a bimini for some shade on those hot summer days I more typically am sailing on. I would agree that this year may be an advantageous one for getting dodgers, bimini's, sails, winter covers and other custom/semi-custom canvas.

Hope this helps.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 14:12:28

With the wheel at the aft end of the cockpit I'm not sure a dodger would help us. We have a bimini but do not put it on the boat. It just doesn't get that hot here in Oregon and the bimini is just in the way.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5896 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 14:14:54

I have a dodger on my boat, and it provides great shelter from spray when the weather is bad, but I have taken the dodger's canvas off for the reasons Peter gave, and it isn't needed for most bay sailing and coastal cruising, because I can tolerate the discomfort of a few hours of spray. If I was cruising long distance, and in the weather for days on end, the dodger would be indispensable. I also have a bimini, and use it a lot. It keeps the sun off in good weather, and keeps the rain off in bad. I only fold it when racing. I have to say, though, that the dodger looks really yachtsy!

Edited by - Steve Milby on 12/14/2008 14:15:50

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 14:53:23

At my marina, there are loads of sailboats with bimini's, including mine, but I've yet to see a dodger. Most, if not all, of the recreational daysailors at my marina would probably take a pass on going out if conditions warranted having a dodger.

In my experience, most spray from sailing seems to come in the cockpit from a direction other than straight from the bow. This would mean I would need a bimini with side curtains that came back to about the winch to do any good.

A dodger can probably extend your season into colder weather, but since my marina closes down for six months over the winter, a dodger wouldn't extend my season anyway.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3442 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 15:32:44

I have considered getting a dodger or a bimini but with a tall rig, if it is even possible to put one on, makes the clearance under the boom a little tight and so it would be a compromise at best to enjoy it's benefits. Lately, I have not given it any thought. I bought a Tilley hat and that has worked out great ...no major install or modifications to be made to enjoy.

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 15:42:59

I went with the bimini. I like the look of it, and I enjoy the wind on my face.
Having the option to put up a dodger would be nice. I have heard some sailors at my marina say that they do not care to look through plastic.

Keep researching, and let us know what you plan to do.

Best,
Deric

Edited by - on

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 15:50:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redviking
 How many choose the bimini instead? I personally considered our dodger on our C25 a safety item, and consider our current setup equally important. With the wish list topic running, I wondered, anyone want a dodger? The canvas community is hurting too - could be a good time! We had a new dodger and bimini made last year with the new undercoated Sunbrella. Won't leak. Also, Lexan windows - awesome! Anyway, for those of you who have had to run a few hours in bad weather under your dodger you know what I'm talking about!

We recently ran into a couple of newbie snow birds on a new to them boat sans dodger. The captain stated that he liked feeling the effects of the wind. I of course thought that they were gonna get their butts handed to them when offshore.

SO, I am curious, how many dodgers versus sans dodger of you are out there. Lake effect waves are tougher than offshore some days, any trailor sailors with a dodger?

sten
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Do you have pictures?
A dodger would be useful in the spring and fall but having the pop-top up at the mooring is important.
Also could you have the snap on rain cover (Naugahyde) on with the pop-top up?

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 16:15:53

I made a bimini, which I have found indispensible to escape the hot Maryland sun. And when beating to windward with spray coming over the cabintop, I usually have my rain jacket and hood on and literally dodge the spray by spinning around with each blast. I AM the dodger.

In my opinion, if I were on a long cruise on the Bay, or offshore, having a dodger would be important when you would be forced to keep going no matter what the weather, but not for a weekend sailor.

Edited by - on

Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 16:31:16

I have neither. I have a bimini that i put on for one weekend. I found it hard to get in and out of the boat with it on since I am 6'1". I am a dinghy sailor at heart and don't mind the wind or spray at any time. Actually I find myself staying too dry.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5358 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 18:02:49

To add to Dave's comments about Passage, the bimini goes well forward and covers most of the companionway, so I can leave it open at anchor even when its raining. Underway, I have not spent a lot of time getting rained on, maybe once this year that I can think of, nor have I seen much spray coming over the side.

I only use it when I need it, I take it out of the way most of the time, because I steer by the windex. I have a hard time seeing it with the bimini in the way.

Perhaps in wetter weather, as Dave mentioned, an isinglass drape of some sort might be good, but so far I've been lucky. But I've also planned ahead to keep out of chilly wet weather.

The bimini, however, is indispensable, because of the hot summer sun. You can get cooked alive without it, even when fully lathered up in SPF 40 sunscreen.

I do notice that around 5 - 8 pm in the evening (in high summer), if I'm heading generally east, the bimini does not block the rays coming in from the rear, as the sun gets low in the late afternoon sky. At that point, I hang my boom tent over the rear of the bimini to shade the cockpit.

Edited by - on

DoubleD
1st Mate

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USA
61 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 18:50:39

I have a bimini on my tall rig and I love it. It is positioned forward in the cockpit to also cover the companionway opening. I haven't had any spray problems, but decided to make a dodger and enclosure for the cockpit anyway. I want it more for mosquito and rain protection at anchor.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5896 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 18:56:31

There are a couple of other benefits to a dodger that haven't been mentioned. A dodger covers the hatch. Whenever you go below while it's raining, it prevents rain from falling directly into the boat. Also, for the same reason, you can look out the companionway hatch while it's raining, or leave the hatch open for fresh air, without getting rain inside.

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 19:42:12

I have a Bimini. In July when it's 95 degrees and the sun's frying your eyes they're a good thing. We're a 10 to 15 thing so a dodger is rare around here for the local folk.

Edited by - DaveR on 12/16/2008 07:22:04

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 19:47:34

I, too, have a bimini on our tall rig, and it extends over the companionway opening a little bit. It came off of our C-22, so I can use it on either boat. With the main fully hoisted, the boom just barely clears the bimini. Being a lake sailor, I've never seen the need for a dodger, although some of the larger sailboats on the lake do have them.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2008 : 21:07:50

We have never sailed JD with the bimini in the down or folded position.
As Dave Robbins says, it's a must here in SoFla, we would cook without it.

I don't see a dodger on a C250! There would be too little walkway to go fwd or the dodger would be too slender to be worth the effort.

They do look cool, and both big boats that I've been on recently had them and I would think that they are almost a must to keep the cabin companionway dry and a nice place for the lines lead back access.

C250? Nah!

Paul

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2008 : 11:20:09

My boat came with a dodger. On one occasion, early on, while questioning whether it was really necessary, I removed it. I nearly fell over board when I reached instinctively to steady myself but it wasn't there. Seems it also serves as a hand hold while moving about the boat, and becomes more necessary as I grow older to the point that I don't think I go out without it.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT, # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2008 : 12:32:33

I have a buddy who installed a hard dodger on his Westerly Tiger 25. It looks much better than a canvas dodger and is very functional. I would perfer a similar dodger over canvas but I do not think either one would be very practical on a tall rig - I don't think. I do think a dodger would be useful on extended cruises, along with lee curtains, to keep the wind and spray off the crew in the cockpit. There's only one thing worse than being cold on a sailboat and that's being cold and wet. Both are very common here on Lake Superior.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2008 : 13:06:51

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by aeckhart
 I have a buddy who installed a hard dodger on his Westerly Tiger 25...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Speaking of hard dodgers, somewhere here in Mystic is a C-30 with a beautifully constructed and finished wood pilot house covering the cockpit. It probably works well, but looks crazy! I should take a shot with my phone-camera next time I see it...

Back to dodgers... It is nice, at anchor or on a mooring, to be able to leave the companionway wide open in the rain. When the boat can swing into the wind, a bimini doesn't quite do it, but a modest addition to the bimini could--like this one in the Tech Tips.

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</center>

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glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2008 : 15:56:16

Our 25 standard rig has a bimini that we leave up all season. The frame is stainless steel and secured with anchor bars instead of straps. The height allows me to take cover under it during the less joyful times on the lake or look over the top of it if standing in the cockpit. It has 3 removable curtains (1 front & 2 side)this gives us the option of only enclosing what is needed to be. One point to consider if you order glass, the more vertical the vinyl the better the optics. I would also recommend pressed polished vinyl.for clarity. We also have an awning that will attach to the aft end of the top. We use this at port for extra shade or rain coverage. This awning is equipped with zippers so that either vinyl glass or screen curtains can be installed. With the complete enclosure we can over night on our cruse bug and rain free. This is a lot of stuff to store but if you do a lot of cruising it is something to think about

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2008 : 17:09:28

Quick answer, no dodger. We dont have Blue Water boats.
Steve A

Edited by - on

Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2008 : 07:52:50

We went with a Bimini that has dodger zip in windows. We had it made to fit the boat with quick release pins for the side bars for easy exit at the doc. When you are beating into the wind and waves it so much easier to keep the coffee hot and your fingers warm.

Our bimini has flaps off the back that snap onto the stern rail for when the sun is coming in from the stern. This helps so much here in NC in August.

It was on the high end price wise but it allows getting forward and has the flexibility of a dodger or not. This was the biggest investment on the boat yet. Well worth every penny.

NOTE: We went a few inches too high. I sometimes need to use the topping lift to keep the boom from rubbing in light winds but it's not too far off. Not enough to notice if you're not racing.

I think it matters where and how you sail. Here in NC in mid summer you almost have to have a bimini. If the weather turns you sure do like having the dodger. We don't use the dodger much. Only when we have to get home and the weather isn't helping.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2008 : 13:32:06

Scooter,

I agree about the intensity of the Southern sun. Could yo post a picture or two of your bimini-dodger setup?

Edited by - on

Patrice C25
1st Mate

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78 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2008 : 07:31:33

Hi,

Have a bimini on mine, and love it.
Give you nice shade when needing it, and since the bimini is mounted on slide, I can move it over the companionway when raining.

Edited by - on

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