[C320-list] Later model dodgers - chafe

[Jeff Hare]

We also slide the traveller all the way to one side when not sailing as our sail cover will contact the dodger and over time chafes the dodger. 

Did you mean the Bimini over the helm station, or the dodger over the companionway?   Our bimini used to be a problem when close hauled as the boom would scrape the bimini when sheeted tight. 

We found a solution. 
-Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: "Rick Evans" <ericstillwellevans at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:02:18 
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Later model dodgers - chafe

I have chaffing occur on the top front of the dodger. Although it seemed to be from the boom rubbing while on the mooring. I started to move the traveler all the way it go to port. This keeps the boom off the dodger at anchor. 

I have not noticed the boom or main sheet rubbing on the dodger under sail. 

Rick
724
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Brad Kuether" <bkuether at comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:11:07 
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Later model dodgers - chafe

I am noticing that my 2004 stock Catalina dodger is chafing at the main sheet.  

This occurs most when I am trying to trim and get the boom down for the right twist in the sail.  It looks like it just wasn't measured well from inception, but I don't know enough about the boat yet to make that call.

I am taking the dodger to get repaired, and to have a more robust material sewn on to handle the chafing.  Someone suggested a type of better type of Sunbrella or there was another type of material that I forget...

Here are my questions:

  a.. Is anyone else experiencing this?
  b.. Has anyone else addressed it differently?
  c.. Has anyone considered just re-doing the dodger so its lower and further back to avoid it all together?

Thanks for any insight.  Looking forward to my first winterizing...  :(

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD