Dennis' description sounds very much like what we have; (outlined in a post yesterday); one difference for what Dennis is calling the forward bimini (we still call it a dodger) is we used a fixed frame with the maximum overhead area for shade and windows which zipper in on the top; I've attached a photo which shows the window in-which is rare. We also use the connector as well for full shade in the cockpit; in addition, it does very well for the occasional downpour; one thing we learned is to have the maker put a seam and some extra material just in front of the forward edge on the connector piece to act as a dam for rainwater; without it the water pours through the zipper hole and right down the middle of the companionway! I will be happy to send photos if interested...(the list moderator wont permit photos as an attachment her because of the size of the files); Richard S/C Bushmark4; C&C 37 CB; Ohio River, Mile 596; Richard N. Bush 2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite Nine Louisville, Kentucky 40220-1462 502-584-7255 -----Original Message----- From: Dennis C. via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> To: CnClist <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: Dennis C. <capt...@gmail.com> Sent: Wed, Jan 11, 2017 1:16 pm Subject: Stus-List Dodger and bimini...or a windshield? Here's a bit of a different take on dodger/bimini installs. Granted, my canvas needs "down south" are different than many of you listers further north. Our main concern is shade, not wind/cold protection. Further, since we sometimes race, having a hard frame dodger just didn't work for us. With the end boom traveler, Touche' has two biminis, a large forward bimini that extends over the seahood and a smaller aft bimini. A filler piece connects them when we want additional shade. However, for the occasional spring or fall cruise or transit down the coast, we wanted wind protection. The rest of the time we want unobstructed breeze through the cockpit. So, I had one of my canvas maker buddies make me a windshield. A windshield is different from a dodger. The windshield attaches to the forward bimini by a zipper across the top and the leading edge of the bimini. It wraps around the bimini frame almost to the primary winches. The sides and bottom are simply attached with small lines through grommets in the windshield. There are two eye straps on the deck adjacent the seahood for holding it down. The remainder of the small lines simply tie around the bows of the bimini and the handrails. The center portion zips and rolls up for breeze when we want it. I can install and uninstall the thing in 5-10 minutes. It rolls up easily and is stored in the quarterberth. Granted, it isn't as nice as a dodger with support frame but for the few times a year we use it, it satisfies our needs. Dennis C. Touche' 35-1 #83 Mandeville, LA
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