[C320-list] Dodger Questions

[pegasus320 at comcast.net]

I agree with Chris. I like the three aft handholds and use them a lot but the side one for going forward would help. I would recommend the strataglass as it is much clearer. Also have the windows as large as possible. Mine has fairly wide strips of sunbrella around the windows and that reduces visibility, especially in the center. The other thing I wish it had is a way to totally remove the center window.

One of my projects this year is to replace the plastic with strataglass. It will be a big job because the edges of the windows are covered with fabric and stitched. It looks nice but then the fasteners that hold on the sunbrella window covers (for sun protection when not at the boat) go through this strip of fabric so it all has to be removed.  

I find the dodger to be useful in the marina for hand holds while boarding or crossing the cockpit and to keep rain out of the hatch. 

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Chris Burti <cburti at yahoo.com> 

> Congratulations: this is one purchase that is unlikely 
> to induce buyer's remorse. 
> 
> Add the connector, but have a window with a sun cover 
> for visibility under weigh. Also point out that 
> inattention to the coverage will funnel rainwater into 
> the cockpit. 
> 
> I have three cutouts on the aft support edged in 
> leather, center and sidfes very nice. I would add two 
> external ss supports on the outside of each side 
> panel...much better than cutouts for passing the 
> dodger in a sea or boarding. 
> 
> Make certain that the cutouts for your control lines 
> attach with velcro on the bottom so that the dodger 
> can be removed w/o removing the lines. 
> 
> My side panels remove...much cooler at anchor. 
> 
> --- "Wash, Steve" 
> wrote: 
> 
> > Hello, 
> > 
> > We are new 320 owners (#1029)and are considering 
> > adding a dodger before the 
> > spring launch. 
> > 
> > We have been told that we should get a 
> > 'California-style' dodger. This 
> > seems to mean that it has windows that roll up (and 
> > allow more breeze to 
> > pass through on hot days). 
> > 
> > Here are the things that we have been asked about 
> > that the list advice is 
> > sought: (In the questions below the 'they' are the 
> > canvas people that made 
> > the bimini that was on the boat when we bought it. 
> > The workmanship is 
> > excellent and they have an excellent reputation in 
> > the area). 
> > 
> > They recommend using 'Strataglass' instead of clear 
> > vinyl ... it is supposed 
> > to be much better and more durable. 
> > 
> > They have asked where to put handholds. There are 3 
> > choices: 
> > 
> > 1. None 
> > 
> > 2. Handholds cut in the aft support 
> > 
> > 3. 'Side handholds' 
> > 
> > They recommend #3 because they believe the side ones 
> > are helpful when 
> > boarding. We can't exactly picture where these will 
> > be. We can't just go 
> > over and take a look because we are 5 hours away 
> > from her at the moment. 
> > 
> > Are dodger sides typically removable? It seems that 
> > sometimes you want the 
> > cockpit wide open ... 
> > 
> > Finally, what is the opinion about adding a 
> > 'connector' between the dodger 
> > and the bimini? 
> > 
> > We will be sailing on an inland lake in the Midwest 
> > (Late April to 
> > mid-October). 
> > 
> > Thanks you for your thoughts ... 
> > 
> > Regards, 
> > 
> > Steve & Phillis 
> > 
> > PS - if there are any pictures on the 320 site that 
> > show dodgers I'd 
> > appreciate the link to them. 
> > 
> > 
> > !!- _______________________________________ 
> > !!- C320-List at catalina320.com mailing list 
> > !!- Archives Here: 
> > http://www.catalina320.com/list/archives 
> > !!- Change Subscription Here: 
> > http://www.catalina320.com/list/change 
> > !!- Subscribe Here: 
> > http://www.catalina320.com/list/join 
> > 
> 
> 
> Chris Burti 
> "Commitment" 
> Catalina 320, #867, 
> Farmville, NC 
> 
> __________________________________________________ 
> Do You Yahoo!? 
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
> http://mail.yahoo.com 
> 
> !!- _______________________________________ 
> !!- C320-List at catalina320.com mailing list 
> !!- Archives Here: http://www.catalina320.com/list/archives 
> !!- Change Subscription Here: http://www.catalina320.com/list/change 
> !!- Subscribe Here: http://www.catalina320.com/list/join