Dodger on a 23

[Mas]

Well the boat season is almost here and some projects done and many yet to go. As we make decisions upon where monies shall go over the next couple seasons one of the projects is whether a dodger is in our future. The companionway is the only place you can stand below on our little boat and even then not in foul weather. The 23 is a "wet" boat as well so some spray relief would be welcome. The sparse topside real-estate also means that a dodger will impede moving forward, affect line handling (all of our lines are led aft though), crowd the halyard winch, etc.

Heave has given some suggestions, i know the PO who did all of the mods for No Mas had a dodger which was removed to go on a Dana24. Go figure, guess the topsides are similar. Anyway he said it was his "most Cherished" upgrade. I have been given some estimates, currently the boat still has the bimini that the PO used with his dodger. We are on the Chesapeake and hope to extend the season both early and late, and also hope to do a little more summer sailing. We generally avoid summer sailing except when guaranteed good weather. Got some shade now, looking for more!

If those of you who have or had dodgers on our little craft and could offer suggestions it would be appreciated. I do know we will use 1" SS, and more than likely Sunbrella. I would like it to be foldable so can be out of the way when not needed, have the wings designed so that winching and moving forward ain't so tricky. May even some grab bars on the sides since i would be losing some hand holds on cabin top. Maybe a connector? Opening front panel or maybe no dodger at all. Weigh in!

[Cruzin]

If you will search the site you will find some information on making a dodger. There are photos with directions on making templates for fabric. I don't recall the contributor but it is on the site. I think many of us would like a nice dodger. You would think some company could develop one for our very popular little yachts. Please share your results if you build one.
Dale

[Mas]

Thanx Cruizin. I can repair canvas and such but will not be making one. There are many small shops in our area that make them custom for the boat. Have found a shop that is highly thought of and one of the partners has actually owned a 23 in the past. He has as a result a concept of how to design one that allows it to add to the boat and not take away. Though all such are trade offs. This is a big ticket item for us so we are moving slowly as if it happens other things don't. Preliminary costs with SS framing and Sunbrella fabric. removable struts for extra support and flexibility in set up with collapsable wings, foldable frame, window covers, front opening panel, fit so that the preexisting holes and existing snaps from an earlier but now removed dodger are used is going to set someone back $1200- 1600. Ouch! There are cheaper shops but these folks do extremely meticulous and quality work.

any thoughts on how different designs have functioned on the 23 is hugely appreciated. Never owned a dodger before.

[Jim23]

Do you know if the shop requires that the boat be present or can they build and ship? I talked to a reputable company in Denver that wanted $2000-2500 for a dodger.

[Mas]

Jim, if you are on a 23 then after they have measured for mine I am sure they could ship. You would clearly need to have the install done there. Gotta be some places that could do it for you closer. Your wishes and needs may be different. We also are trying to recreate an earlier dodger(removed before we got her) so mounting points can be used. I am sure if we opt for all of the possibilities for the dodger that with tax we will be over $1600. Shipping across the country aint cheap as ups won't handle such a large item. Truck shipping is pricey. You may save a little but by the time you get one done here, ship it, install it, you may be at same price. Also the after install, support will be nonexistent for all practical purposes.

I will be glad to keep you posted on this, well will keep all posted. I do know that we won't pull the trigger until I am very comfortable on what it will add and how to minimize the take aways in ease of movement and line handling. The more knowledge i can gain the better the result.

Good luck! Of course you could always trailer her across the entire country and come sail with us on the Chesapeake and get your dodger installed!

[frank]

Give Gerry at the factory an email. Their canvass guy is very good and reasonable. Gerry will email you pics and prices. He'll also know easiest shipping method

[Mas]

Hey Frank,

I did talk to Matt, and he indicated that they don't do such anymore and haven't for awhile. We really want to try to reuse attachment points so we are truly going to need to keep it local. Good news is there are many high quality shops here on the bay. We think we have found one that is easy to work with. Plus the fellow has owned a Compac 23 before! That gives him some insights in how to best fit one.

thanks for suggestion though.

[HeaveToo]

Who are you going to go with, NoMas?

Don't get a dodger or a bimini made out of anything except sunbrella.  Sunbrella is the best, hands down!

I wouldn't get an aluminum frame.  I have one, it just feels flimsy. 

When I go to replace mine I want to replace the frames.  Definitely get a connector. 

Strattaglass is the best window material out there.  I really suggest making sure that they use that for the windows.  It is not the most flexible so it won't fold quite as well.  I would get covers for the windows if you plan to leave the dodger up for the season.  I also suggest a zipper window in the middle for ventilation. 

A good canvas maker will also have chafe guards in areas where you get wear. 

Oh, check the zippers.  Make sure that they use good zippers (they can deteriorate fast).  Make sure that they do the best to cover the zippers from sun exposure.  Here is the really weird part...ONLY use BLACK zippers.  Yep, black.  They last the longest (at least for YYK Zippers).

One thing that I need to fabricate is a cover for my autopilot.  They are supposed to be waterproof but I wouldn't bet the bank on it.  I also can't stand sitting out in the rain so I tend to run an autopilot and sit under the canvas on the dry side.

I have thought about making an attachment that you could zip on at anchor or when you are motoring that would extend the bimini past the backstay and past the main sheet. 

One other piece that I fabricated in the past was a piece that attached to the back of the bimini and hung down.  This was for blocking the sun and creating shade when you are at anchor.  For some reason I always seem to anchor and have the sun shining in the back of my boat in the evening.  When I ate in the cockpit a lot it was a pain in the butt. 

BTW....I want to fabricate a cockpit table.  I may just use my regular table and make a piece that attaches to the back (someone else has done this).

Good luck.

[Mas]

Hey Heave, thought i mentioned The Ships Taylor as the folks in our emails. They come well recommended.

My earlier post indicate what i wish which is Sunbrella, SS 1" frame, foldable, opening front panel, match existing attachment points, integrate with current bimini, window covers were discussed as well, be able to move with ease forward and have it not impede line handling. There will be trade offs if we do this. It just needs to be a net gain. Still will sail her for a bit first to be sure of this. Cant do other wants if this gets done. They will need to be weighed as well. Know what you did not like about your current dodger and i hear ya!

It looks as though it will be around 1600 if i do all of the little extras wished (covers for all window areas, extra set of removable struts so that wings can be folded for ease of line handling and moving forward), 1250 if just the basic dodger with Sunbrella and SS. The cockpit is the place where we will spending most of our time and thus wish it to be as friendly as possible. That is one of the reasons we liked the 23 and also our 16, nice sized cockpits!

Will keep you posted.

Any other folks with dodgers on 23's out there with ideas?

[Jim23]

No Mas, Thanks for the info and the invite! I'll make it to the Chesapeake one day.

[HeaveToo]

I don't think that is a horrible quote at all.  It is cheaper than I thought.

I would have them change out any snaps for lift the dot fasteners. 

You should ask them if they are cheaper to do in the winter.  I have heard that if you have canvas made during the winter you can get a discount.  Canvas makers often are looking for work during the winter.

[Mas]

not these guys, they are already well into May for scheduling. August interestingly seems to be one of the slowest months for both yards and related boat work.

don't think the price is out of line with others, as we have checked, it's just a big chunk for us. Was hoping for closer to the 1200 for everything. Just had to spring for a new rudder which should not have had to happen but folks can be clueless, not forthcoming, or both. The original foiled rudder was bent/cracked damaged in the boat yard in Mobile either during or after hauling but it was not noticed till up here. Oh well!