I will try to remember to take some pictures of mine this weekend. I put it on when cruising and most of the time leave the frame up and the canvas off. Even when I put on the canvas, I have never added the side panels, so I view them as dispensable. The empty frame has the advantage of another thing to hold onto in the cockpit. It has the disadvantage of something to hit your head on, especially when coming up from below with your head down. The bimini that came with mine (both were purchased by the PO) is pretty useless. It does not come back far enough to cover the helm seat, so in rain it just runs onto your head and neck. There is no frame for the bimini- it zips to the dodger and a bar in the back attaches to the backstay. I would avoid that approach. Dave
Dr. David Knecht Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology Core Microscopy Facility Director University of Connecticut 91 N. Eagleville Rd. Storrs, CT 06269 860-486-2200 > On Oct 14, 2015, at 4:28 AM, davepulaski via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: > > 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 > _______________________________________________ > > Email address: > CnC-List@cnc-list.com > To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the bottom > of page at: > http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com >
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