Factory dodger for 23?

[NateD]

In a recent boat listed for sale on this site (http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=5049.0) it looks like it came with a factory dodger. Anyone else have one of these? Any idea on the cost or if Hutchins is still supplying them?

I would love to get a dodger, mostly so I can keep the hatch open when at anchor in the rain. I wouldn't want it up all the time, and the dodger on the boat in the classifieds looks like it stores well.

[brackish]

 I'm thinking about one also.  Same reason.  Doubt i would use it while sailing, but would like to have standing headroom in the companionway so I can pull out the galley modules and stand up to cook/clean up while at anchor. And leave everything open but protected during summer rains.  Might look into making one without the clear panels.

[NateD]

Not using clear panels would likely help with longevity, but I want to be able to pop my head up and look forward to see what is going on with the anchor rode/weather to windward without having to climb all the way out into the cockpit. I suppose you could pop your head out of the forward hatch and take a peek, but if the dodger is up, that probably means its raining, which means the forward hatch will be closed.

Thinking about it some more, I guess it wouldn't be THAT bad. You could sit on the bridgedeck facing forward and peak to the side of the dodger. You'd still get a little wet.

[jthatcher]

i like the idea of a dodger as well..  just sent an email off to the guy who made our bimini..   i will share his answer as soon as he responds..    if we are going to the trouble of getting one,  we might as well do it right and request the plastic panels..    jt

[Bob23]

My  23 came with a very mini dodger. I use it in colder weather to stay a bit dryer when sailing. It looks cooler than it actually is. I'd rather have a larger one, as noted above. I t'would be much more pratical.
bob23

[NateD]

I emailed Hutchins and asked about the availability of a dodger from them, here is what I received:

Nate – we used to offer dodgers for the 23 and we kept them in stock like biminis.  But, we found that the fabrication and installation was just too complicated to get any consistent results.  So we abandoned the project and just have them custom made to individual 23's as they are being built.

Gerry

Looks like if you want one from Hutchins you gotta order it as an option with a new boat, they aren't selling them individually.

[jthatcher]

well,  i am disappointed to report that the fellow who did our bimini does not make dodgers..    that is a shame!  guess we will have to look elsewhere!  jt

[Norm]

I have a factory dodger for my 23 and it is a poor arrangement.  Does not cover the hatch if opened and is not high enough to stand under.  I recently had a small hard dodger made, one that covers the hatch and I can stand up under. I love it.  Helps to vent the boat too.

[NateD]

I have a factory dodger for my 23 and it is a poor arrangement.  Does not cover the hatch if opened and is not high enough to stand under.  I recently had a small hard dodger made, one that covers the hatch and I can stand up under. I love it.  Helps to vent the boat too.

Mind sharing what your custom dodger cost? Sailrite has a kit for about $650, but I'm not sure my sewing skills are good enough to complete a dodger.

I'm half tempted to try and buy your factory dodger, but your less than glowing review has me thinking otherwise.

[Norm]

Yes, my dodger was custom made and cost $600.  However, the person who made it said he would charge twice that for making another like it.  I really lucked out.  Had a small dodger made for a precision 21 about 5 years ago and it cost me $1100.  Ask around, there are some excellent craftsmen out there who want the work, or make one yourself.