Getting wet-Dodger Question for the M

[delevi]

Ok, does everyone else get completely soaked when going more than 7 mph in chop? The only time I can really go fast without getting wet when there are any waves to speak of is either right into the waves or with the waves directly behind me. I wonder if a dodger would be a solution. I remember reading that the M only has a narrow dodger which only does half the job, but one can be custom made. I dont think its possible, however, to have a wide dodger without making it impossible to turn the winch handles and/or block access to going up on deck. Any input would be much appreciated? What to do you guys with the large outboards do? Wear your foulies?

Leon

[James V]

I was thinking about weather cloths.

These are cloths attached to the life lines and between the sanctions. I had tried to secure an awning, folded over between the middle 2 sanctions. This did keep me drier but I could not see as well.

What I am wanting to do is to make or have made a canvas weather cloth between the last 2 sanctions and a clear one between the next two.
This is where my spray is comming from and cheeper and easier to get around than a doger. Although not as warm in cold weather.

Maby one of the advertisers or the Classified ADs might make some?

[ssichler]

Dowsar makes a wide dodger for the 26M - but it's expensive. Genco gave me a more reasonable quote.


After going out for some extended motoring in the Santa Monica bay last Saturday I can attest to getting soaked in even a light chop (19mph top speed with 60hp Etec). The Dowsar dodger didn't seem so expensive then! The side curtains also seem necessary to block out spray hitting the helm.

[Frank C]

Leon,

Same here in the 26X. Sailing a close reach you're plunging through waves at precisely the angle so resulting wind-blown spray is directed straight at the cockpit. You're enjoying a steady, predictably reliable 15 to 22 knots every afternoon, and 2-foot chop that it brings. I'm afraid it goes w/ the territory. (wonder if spray curtains might provide enough added linear windage to deter rounding up ?? )

I too have considered a dodger, but all of my earlier investments were needed to successfully sail out there - until which time the spray is less apparent. Duane Dunn's Dowsar pictures show how it shelters the forward cockpit of the 26X ... unfortunately, it would also interfere with planned positioning of my removable traveler, across the forward coamings.

The Dodger is the height of most of the 26x dodgers, but is of an in between width that makes it work wonderfully. Wider than the simple companionway dodgers it spans nearly the full width of the cabintop. It stops just short of the toe rail and gives you a shoe width section of deck to step on going forward. This provides full spray protection yet does not require that anything be unzipped or unsnapped to walk forward. The dodger also extends back into the cockpit while most others stop at the back of the cabintop. his provides two fully protected seats at the front of the cockpit. It has a zip out front window, interior pockets, a grab strap on the roof and is fully self supporting with it's standoffs on quick pins. You also gain handy storage space inside on each side.

[Beam's Reach]

I have the same dodger as Duane...actually the full enclosure. You can leave the dodger up all the time, buts it's very easy to fold down. I tend to fold it down for docking just because it's easier to see and to scramble up on deck if you have to. But it does shelter the cockpit well, from spray when it's choppy, from wind when it's cool, and from sun in the early morning and late afternoon when it's too hot. In fact, I went down to the marina this morning for a quick nap in the cockpit. Still a little cool here, but the dodger kept the breeze off me.

It looks like the M dodger in the picture above stops at the companion way. You can see on Duane's picture that the X dodger continues back about 18" or so...great for tucking in behind out of the wind and spray and there is a pocket there on each side for small gear.

[Terry]

SSICHLER'
Are you seriously considering the M dodger? The Dowsar looks to be exactly what I want but if Genco can do the same design cheaper then they would be the way to go. Not sure Genco has one made yet but when they do I would like to see pics as I will quite likely get one next year. have you seen a Genco dodger yet?

[ssichler]

I'm seriously considering a dodger. Not sure I like the idea of mail order/self install so I'm going to get a quote from a local shop first. Genco gave me a quote but I didn't see ny pics. If I were you I would call Genco. I can't believe how bad the American dollar is doing against Canadian. What are you guys looney?;)

SSICHLER'
Are you seriously considering the M dodger? The Dowsar looks to be exactly what I want but if Genco can do the same design cheaper then they would be the way to go. Not sure Genco has one made yet but when they do I would like to see pics as I will quite likely get one next year. have you seen a Genco dodger yet?

[ssichler]

Anyone know how tall the 26M is on it's trailer with mast down and in support? Harbor Canvas is telling me they would need to work on boat in their shop and have 11.5 foot clearance.

[Frank C]

IIRC, they already did somebody's 26X, and that was surely 10 feet plus. Seems it was a terrific, quality result at reasonable cost.

You'd have to leave the mast at home anyway, so why not remove the arch too? Or assuming they'd want to design an enclosure with the arch in-place, tow over there and remove the arch only if, or when necessary. You're going to love that result ... I'm envious!

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

Frank is correct.
in order to have a dodger up and in place at it's correct location, the mast cannot sit in the trailered position.
my BWY "wide dodger" (pic below is off their web site) has to be removed or layed flat when the mast is down.

so if Harbor Canvas needs to create a dodger from scratch for you, then they'll need to do it with either the mast "up" or the mast completely removed.

Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI & '06 2.5-Suzuki

[ssichler]

How do you like your dodger? Does it cut down on spray much?

[Sloop John B]

Hey, what's the matter with you guys? Get a bib.

Better yet, zip up your foul weather jacket to your adam's apple, pull down your hat, and stick your eye glasses in your back pocket. Have some Kleenex to blot out the salt.

If the mate complains about all the spray, give her a little kick in the pants. And then keep an eye on her so she doesn't get around behind you.

[ssichler]

Sloop John B - I can tell you have no love for us on the left coast where the water is cold;) Plan B is the foulies and ski googles. The kicking part I hadn't considered but sounds like an interesting tip I will leave to one of the other guys to try out and report back on effectiveness

[delevi]

They only way I can conceive of a sufficient size dodger on an M is to have one that completely folds out of the way when sailing and use it only for motoring. Based on the mainsheet connection at the traveler and the handles for the winches, the width and aft section portruding to cover some of the cockpit would make it impossible to sail while the dodger is deployed. Am I missing something? Does anyone know how easy these things are to fold and does it stay out of the way, windage, etc. I know on the X, it's a different sory because the mainsheet connects more aft at the pedestal.

Leon

[ssichler]

Look at the dowsar pic -

Once you take away the bimini connector I don't see any issues with the winches and traveler. Going forward might be a different story but I have my lines led aft and lazy jacks/sail cradle.