fitting BWY dodger on my Mac 26X

[Sea Wind]

Calling on all the owners of the wide dodger. The PO installed a solar vent over the head, pump out and a clutch on the starboard side. Would a wide dodger fit here? If the only problem is the vent I can remove it as it would not be charging with the dodger up anyway. Plan B would be the narrow dodger and custom side panels similar to the dodger on the M.
Thanks,
Pedro

[bartmac]

Going to be tight fit with either a wide or narrow dodger....we have wide one and I think the current deck hardware you have will not make it fit
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ewimg=3547

[DaveB]

Sorry I can't help out as I am a Trailor Sailor and spend 15-20 min. to rig and launch.
The dodger would be in the way for raising mast without gin pole for two people.
Rather have rain/wind gear for body protection.
If on a long 1-2 week trip than worth spending time to hookup gin pole and other safety measures and install your quick release Dodger.
If you are on a Mooring/Slip is very good.
Have seen reports that the inside Dodger can still get people wet. Heavy weather is best with the small Dodger but has side wings attached.
Getting forward is a must, so the smaller Dodger with wings is a better choice.

Dave

Calling on all the owners of the wide dodger. The PO installed a solar vent over the head, pump out and a clutch on the starboard side. Would a wide dodger fit here? If the only problem is the vent I can remove it as it would not be charging with the dodger up anyway. Plan B would be the narrow dodger and custom side panels similar to the dodger on the M.
Thanks,
Pedro

[bartmac]

Sorry but can't agree....a dodger which folds down to raise your mast and protects the hatch area when up is about as essential item as I can think of for a Mac.Ours is permanently fixed and has a cover over it when stowed flat....don't want it flapping when towing and the cover also stops the hatch leaking when doing 90km/hr in driving rain.I guess also sun protection is foremost in our minds as our proximity to the equator means lots of damaging rays.....then again as with motorbikes we are fair weather sailors!!!!

[DaveB]

You missed what I was saying.
Reread it for Trailer Sailor.
Dodgers are good for installing after mast and boom installed, just like the quick release Bimini.
For Trailer Sailors its installed after you have your Mast and boom installed.
I have two sets of Bimini, one for low height for sailing and another for summer cruiseing without mast. Latter has full headroom and much larger for our windless days in summer so we do day cruises to Sanibel Island for a swim. Full Dodger would be great for those heavy wind Thunderstorms but so would Foul weather gear for once in the season you use it more me.
Boat can do many things.

Dave

Sorry but can't agree....a dodger which folds down to raise your mast and protects the hatch area when up is about as essential item as I can think of for a Mac.Ours is permanently fixed and has a cover over it when stowed flat....don't want it flapping when towing and the cover also stops the hatch leaking when doing 90km/hr in driving rain.I guess also sun protection is foremost in our minds as our proximity to the equator means lots of damaging rays.....then again as with motorbikes we are fair weather sailors!!!!

[bartmac]

Probably a miss understanding on both sides.....our dodger is a permanent fixture and folds down (undo a couple of press duds and fold forward) ...our front bimini is also permanent on a sliding track so it folds on to the dodger both when folded and whilst up....this allows for all possibilities including sailing with a dodger and 2 biminis up.
The only thing I woud say is the dodger rear edge need to clear the sliding hatch enough to not have drips into the cabin....ours is just a bit too close hence the overlapping bimini idea

[Sea Wind]

Dave: I agree with you, I stay at a marina mast up, so I only take the mast down about 5 times a year.
bartmac: thanks, just to be clear, you think that even without the solar vent the wide dodger would not fit?

[bartmac]

Both the solar vent and clutch are going to be in the way I think....have at one stage seen pictures of a real narrow dodger...I must admit I would have liked a narrow one which would give me more walking space down each side.On the plus side the space between the dodger and the raised edge of the hatch opening gets used as a storage spot.....just have to tidy before sailing/heeling

[DaveB]

Most Mac. 26 owners who have the companion way dodger says the helms person still gets wet. Why not have a zipper flap attached to each side of dodger to act as a full dodger and use it only in strong headwinds. this will prevent most or all of bow spray.
Unzip it when going forward.
Dave

Both the solar vent and clutch are going to be in the way I think....have at one stage seen pictures of a real narrow dodger...I must admit I would have liked a narrow one which would give me more walking space down each side.On the plus side the space between the dodger and the raised edge of the hatch opening gets used as a storage spot.....just have to tidy before sailing/heeling

[bartmac]

We do have homemade sides to our dodger/bimini but not weather tight....more sun protection.The idea of a complete "tent" covering the cockpit is in one sense appealing but very costly....we've been lucky so far and have not encountered prolonged bad weather in our away time.Bow spray is usually only a problem when sailing for us (only 15hp motor) and the other half is not keen on rough weather sailing

[Sea Wind]

Why not have a zipper flap attached to each side of dodger to act as a full dodger and use it only in strong headwinds

That is why I am considering the narrow dodger. We are getting pretty handy with the sewing machine and sunbrella, so we could make side panels when needed. BWY gave me measurements so I will go to the boat when I have a chance and find out.
Thanks,
Pedro

[DaveB]

SeaWind,
I was only giving suggestions and do not have a dodger as one is not needed here is SW Florida. What I do find needed is a vinyl windshield about 5ft in length and 12 inches in width tapered on both ends attached to bimini with a zipper and bottom on both bottom ends side attach a line to Railing.
This will protect helm person and any one aft from Spray in heavy beating to windward. Will keep my glasses clear.
It's easy to install, takes up little room.
Dave

Why not have a zipper flap attached to each side of dodger to act as a full dodger and use it only in strong headwinds

That is why I am considering the narrow dodger. We are getting pretty handy with the sewing machine and sunbrella, so we could make side panels when needed. BWY gave me measurements so I will go to the boat when I have a chance and find out.
Thanks,
Pedro

[mastreb]

I do not find the Mac to be a "wet boat".

The spray goes straight aft. It only comes into the cockpit if there's a beam apparent wind.

If there's enough apparent wind to blow the spray into the cockpit, then why aren't you sailing?

[bwygirl]

The wide dodger will conflict with the installation of the vent fan you currently have on deck. The small dodger would fit. Give us a call if you would like more info or would like to place the order. Cheryl

[DaveB]

Your in the Intercostal Waterway with headwinds at 12- 15 Knots or more out of the East. You have incoming tide from Stern at 2 knots.
You are going to get Wet!
There are many pointing conditions to get spray on the helm.
Stay dry is my thought.
You don't sail to windward in a 200 ft. -500 ft. channel on Intercoastal waterway.
Even beating to windward in 15 knots of wind in open waters will get the helm with spray.
There is a old saying. (those who never ran aground are ones that don't sail)
Might add, those who don't sail often may not know how to, forget .
Why you got to Sail and stay on track.
Dave

I do not find the Mac to be a "wet boat".

The spray goes straight aft. It only comes into the cockpit if there's a beam apparent wind.

If there's enough apparent wind to blow the spray into the cockpit, then why aren't you sailing?