[C320-list] Dodger Questions

[Rod Boer]

Steve & Phillis,

See my answers below:

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Wash, Steve" <wash at advantageelectronics.com>
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 5:43 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Dodger Questions


> Hello,
> 
> We are new 320 owners (#1029)and are considering adding a dodger before the
> spring launch.  Congratulations, you will love your new boat!
> 
> 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). Our front window rolls up and we use it that way more than zipped up in the summer.  In the fall it pretty much down.
> 
> 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. I am guessing but the Strataglass is probably Eisenglass, my spelling might not be just right, but it does hold up much better.
> 
> They have asked where to put handholds.  There are 3 choices:
> 
> 1. None
> 
> 2. Handholds cut in the aft support I have these which are helpful but
> 
> 3. 'Side handholds' I really wish I had these.  They are especially helpful when returning from the foredeck to the cockpit.  There is always a slit secoond when moving around the dodger when I don't have anything to hold on to. 
> 
> 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 ...The side panels are removable in our dodger but I never felt the need to do so.  The only time we remove them is in the fall when we remove the dodger.  It makes it easier to handle.
> 
> Finally, what is the opinion about adding a 'connector' between the dodger
> and the bimini? We really feel that we need the connector.  We are on the Chesapeake where the sun really cooks in August but it also useful when it is raining.  Our last two boats have had the bridge installed.

Hope this helps and congratulations!

Rod Boer
Odyssey, #688 
> 
> 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.
> 
> 
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