Hi Dave, I've got one on mine. it looks original to the boat and is still in pretty good shape, I had it re-stitched and windows replaced a couple years ago. It does not go very far back but does provide shade if you sit close to the bulkhead or even better, lean back on the bulkhead lounge chair style.. :-) Here's what it looks like: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133565480@N04/21980567419/in/dateposted-public/
It works well / does not get in the way too much. When we're racing we fully open / remove the front windows to have completely free access to the traveler and all the clearance for the winch handles. A shorter handle works better as the longer ones can touch the windows. If you really want shade then you add the "Bikini" Bimini.. It's basically a Sunbrella extension that zips-up to the dodger on one end and has a pole on the other. You attach the middle of the pole to the backstay tensionning car and the ends to the stern pulpit. It's a bit of a '"rig job" but it's good shade for the really hot days. It's no good for sailing in 10 knots of wind or more but just the ticket for lazy 4 knots summer afternoons or when motoring / at anchor. https://www.flickr.com/photos/133565480@N04/22154946462/in/dateposted-public/ Like you, I don't like sailing with a bimini anyway. Except for those aforementioned 4 knots lazy summer wine and cheese cruises I'm too OCD to sail without constantly looking at my main / fiddling with trim and helm to keep all telltales optimized. I can take more detailed pictures if you'd like. Take care, -Francois Rivard 1990 34+ "Take Five" lake Lanier, GA So I'm having discussions with a canvas maker about fabricating a dodger for my '90 34+, and I'd like to solicit some input from other 34+ owners who have a dodger, and I'd really love to see some pictures!? This will be a from-scratch build, as the boat never had a dodger. Obviously I want it to be good looking and not detract too much from the lines of the boat, but there are some functional challenges I can see with putting a dodger on a 34+. First, clearance for the big self-tailers on the corners of the cabin top. ?Th canvas maker I'm speaking with expressed concern that the dodger side panels and/or frame may interfer with full rotation of the winch handle.? Second: how high above the companionway hatch is your dodger, and how much does ?it create awkward access in and out of the companionway? ?This is difficult for me to visualize, but I can see it being an issue because the bridgedeck is so very long on these boats. ?I don't want the dodger any taller than absolutely necessary for aesthetic and visibility reasons. Third, and this is the core purpose of me getting a dodger, how far back does your dodger extend over the forward end of the cockpit? ? This is my #1 reason for getting a dodger because The Admiral needs a cozy, ?SHADY spot where she can sit facing backwards up against the cabin top bulkhead and read a book while I toil away sailing the boat. ? If the dodger stops at the aft end of the cabin top, ?it won't provide any shade to the cockpit thus defeating the whole purpose. ? Do you guys get any usable shade in the front of the cockpit from your dodgers?? A bimini is out of the question; ?not only do I absolutely hate biminis, but my travelers is in the cockpit in front of the pedestal making a bimini pretty much impractical.? I really want this done right... any input will be much appreciated!? -Dave
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