CD27 Dodger

[Richard Gelfand]

I have been considering adding a dodger to my CD27. I would like to know what other CD27 owners think of the idea of one. Does the dodger ruin the lines of the boat? Does it make getting in and out of the companion way very difficult? When sailing does it restrict your ability to see very much? Thanks.



Aldajon@aol.com

[Duncan Maio]

Does the dodger ruin the lines of the boat?

It changes the lines; good or bad is a matter of taste. I don'lt mind the look of the dodger, but I suppose that I prefer the boat "clean".

Does it make getting in and out of the companion way very difficult?

Not for me, but I am only 5'7".

When sailing does it restrict your ability to see very much?

Yes, but I am only 5'7". On breezy days when out for a long sail, I welcome the protection, even if I have to stand much of the time.




dmaio@att.net

[Mike Thorpe]

Richard,
I like the look of the dodger on my CD27 but as Duncan points out beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Getting in and out of the cockpit to go forward is a bit more difficult (have to go around the dodger)but its not that bad.

As far as visibility is concerned I am to short to see over the dodger while sitting down; or around it if I want to hod the tiller amidships and lean back against the coaming. Both sitting on the edge of the cockpit seat and looking through the dodger or standing up and looking over it get very old very quickly. My solution / suggestion (in good weather)is a tiller extension that lets you sit outboard where you can see around the dodger and still hold the tiller amidships.

If you do decide to get a dodger I would strongly suggest that you have the forward transparent section made to open and the side curtins removable for those days when you want the breeze to blow through. Also, consider a detachable cockpit awning.

Luckily for me the dodger on Lady Jane came with all of these features. I say lucky because this is the first boat I have had with a dodger and I have to admit that if the initial purchase had been mine I probally would have stuck with the plain jane (no pun intended) version. Now that I have had it both ways give me the dodger be it wet and wild or hot and sticky.

Hope I helped.

Mike Thorpe
CD27 Lady Jane





mthorpe@capecod.net

[Neil Gordon]

>>Does the dodger ruin the lines of the boat?<<

I prefer the lines on my 28 without it. Otoh, I also like not getting sprayed in the face going to weather and not having it rain in when I'm at the slip.

>>Does it make getting in and out of the companion way very difficult?<<

You have to go around the dodger, is all. I find the frame a good place to steady myself getting in and out.

>>When sailing does it restrict your ability to see very much?<<

A little. Standing, I can see over it. Sitting, I can see around it to windward and through it, otherwise. If the "glass" is clean it helps.

If you're doing any cruising, you really want a dodger, imo.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[Bill Godlsmith]

I think a dodger is a very valuable addition to the boat. It keeps the spray out of your face when beating. With my tiller, I can actually sit under the dodger when it's raining and still steer. This is nice when it's raining although it is of limited value because you can't see through the clear plastic very well in a downpour. It also keeps rain from going down below, so you can keep the companionway open while it's raining. Moreover, you can sleep down below and keep the companionway open (or use a screen insert) without worrying about rain coming in.

I am 6' and cannot see over the dodger while seated. There are some workarounds, however. There is a center zipper flap which rolls up that you can see through. You can take periodic peeks around the sides which is less than ideal seamanship. My dodger folds down with a simple untying of two taut-line hitches. You have to be careful not to fold the windows, however. I usually fold it down when approaching a slip.

I often stand in the cockpit looking holding the dodger frame with one hand and steering with the other. One of my favorite positions on the boat is to kneel on the port cockpit seat while a crew member steers, holding onto and looking over the top of the dodger. Sometimes I'll hold a chart (tightly) using the top of the dodger as a "chart table" for very quick position checks. Depending on how study the frame is built, it can make a very good handhold. Some makers offer grab handles integral to the frame.

Getting in and out of the companionway is a little tight. You definitely need to crouch as you step over the bridge deck. I think it's worth it, though.

As far as the lines are concerned, check out my very rudimentary website. There's a picture there that shows the lines with the dodger up.

Good luck with your decision

Bill Goldsmith
CD27
Second Chance
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

I have been considering adding a dodger to my CD27. I would like to know what other CD27 owners think of the idea of one. Does the dodger ruin the lines of the boat? Does it make getting in and out of the companion way very difficult? When sailing does it restrict your ability to see very much? Thanks.

goldy@bestweb.net

[Bill Goldsmith]

I left out the website address from the previous post. It is http://www.bestweb.net/~goldy/

Good Luck

I have been considering adding a dodger to my CD27. I would like to know what other CD27 owners think of the idea of one. Does the dodger ruin the lines of the boat? Does it make getting in and out of the companion way very difficult? When sailing does it restrict your ability to see very much? Thanks.

goldy@bestweb.net

[Dana]

I have been considering adding a dodger to my CD27. I would like to know what other CD27 owners think of the idea of one. Does the dodger ruin the lines of the boat? Does it make getting in and out of the companion way very difficult? When sailing does it restrict your ability to see very much? Thanks.

____________________________________

The practical use of a dodger on a CD27 is very sound. Take a look at ours on our CD26 by buttoning on the web link title below. Visiblity has not been a problem. Ours have removeable full view transparent side curtains (refered to as "California" style...I don't know why) besides the front window with its roll up section.



darenius@aol.com

[Lyn Heiges]

I have been considering adding a dodger to my CD27. I would like to know what other CD27 owners think of the idea of one. Does the dodger ruin the lines of the boat? Does it make getting in and out of the companion way very difficult? When sailing does it restrict your ability to see very much? Thanks.

Take a look at the unit Dana has!!! It is probably the nicest arrangement I have seen on a virtual CD27 installation! Read what Neil Gordon says and also Bill Goldsmith. I have a CD27 (GUILLEMOT #186) which I often thought of putting a dodger on, but at 6-foot, 3-inches I could never bring myself to actually do it. That was the Chesapeake Bay and a different situation than down here in Florida! I have a CD28 (MOON CHILD #307) which has a dodger. It is a practical addition, however the frame is aluminum and a dodger leaves a lot of tropical sun coming through. Today I spoke with JSI here in St. Petersburg about a stainless steel frame (like the pulpits) and making the dodger part of an arrangement which can be joined at the top to be a real foul weather screen or with the dodger removed the overhead section can be a bimini. Both boats are tillered and thus you spend alot of time in the cockpit -- even with a autopilot down here because the channels are so narrow and the bays and gulf so shallow. I plan on using a lot of vinyl window material and zippers. Waiting for the cost estimate and after I stand-up again I will probably be taking sewing lessons from my wife and daughters! Also I would suggest Sunbrella type material as it will last better than anything else I have found. Lighter colors also last longer.

Good Luck!

Lyn Heiges



lheiges@compuserve.com