See full version: How to Make a Dodger
This thorough and comprehensive, 4-1/2-hour video will walk you through the entire process of building a dodger. Some of the steps include preparing the dodger frame for patterning, patterning and cutting the fabric, sewing all the panels and pockets together, reinforcing the openings with leather patches, and more. here
At Sailrite, we offer complete dodger kits that contain everything you need (except for tools) to build your own 2-bow dodger. Our 2-Bow Frame Kits include all the hardware and 1-inch stainless steel tubing to construct a sturdy and well-built frame. Our 2-Bow Skin Kits, offered in both Standard and Premium Sunbrella Marine Grade colors, contain all the necessary materials to sew a custom canvas top to attach to your dodger frame. It's never been easier to sew your own marine canvaswork with professional-looking results with all-inclusive kits, tools and video instructions from Sailrite! here
In 2019, we updated our Dodger Series with a new design and new video instructions. A dodger is a great way to stay sheltered from rain or spray while on your boat and at the dock. Sometimes called a sprayhood, a dodger covers the companionway and acts as a windshield, offering protection to those in the cockpit. Custom dodgers can be expensive from a canvas shop, but you can get a custom fit for less by building your own using a dodger kit and our comprehensive video tutorial.
In the video, we show the dodger with an optional roll-up window. If you would like to add a roll-up window to your dodger, our companion blog (300393XHT) will show you how to install this easy DIY. If you have both a dodger and bimini on your boat, consider adding an extension panel connecting the two to provide even more protection from the sun and weather. Our blog “How to Make an Extension Panel Between Dodger & Bimini” (300386XHT) will walk you through the steps of fabricating this extension piece. It’s also a good idea to add a chafe guard to the top aft edge of your dodger, where the canvas experiences abrasion and rubbing from the sail or other gear. Our blog “Adding a Chafe Guard to a Dodger” (300398XHT) will show you how to add this protective vinyl patch to your dodger top. more
Boats are a pretty significant investment. If you spent many years working hard so you can fulfil the lifelong dream of buying a boat then you probably should take a little bit of extra time to ensure that that boat has the best possible care. The best way to keep a boat in good condition is with a good quality boat cover. Boat covers offer loads of benefits. Here is a quick look at some of the top benefits. here
If you’ve got a boat and you’ve been out to sea more than once, you probably already know the importance of good shade and proper sun protection. If you’ve just purchased a new boat and you’re all ready to get out and enjoy it, however, don’t make the same first mistake that many boat owners do! Bimini tops are a simple, affordable, and versatile means of providing adequate shade whilst out on the water, so it should be obvious why. here
If I had it to do over again, would I build it the same way? - absolutely What would I change? -probably would reduce the rib spacing to 16"(add more ribs which I showed in the plan)
The plan for this boat was sketched up after looking at a similar boat of a fellow hunting friend, and since it is not a purchased plan, have attached the same sketch, should you be interested to build such a design. Hopefully, you could also share your designs on this board as well.
My son and I hunt the reservoirs, rivers, and the sounds in N.C. This water is greatly varied in size, ranging from 4" deep muck swamp potholes to the Pamlico, which is huge water. No doubt that there is no one design boat that can handle this swing in water size. At times, in the swamp and small creeks, wished I had my little hunting kayak, while on the sounds with the wind blowing, wished I had a freighter. However, overall, this rig which I built in 94, has served us very well. It is small enough to disappear on a bank hunting mallard, works well on open big water diver hunting, and with spray shield up, can take on rough water which is a regularity on the sounds.
I built a 20" transom on this boat to accept my fishing motor which is a 30 hp. With a full load -2 people, dog, and stuff, the boat runs very smooth @ wide open throttle, however, with lighter loads, I have to back off the throttle to approx. 1/2 -3/4 or it will go in to a skip jack hop, which is really no problem. Suffice to say, a 30 really moves this boat and the hull is more than capable of this rating. [links]
This boat is an old fashioned design sneak box which is built upside down on a floor jig. Some general dimensions of the hull are:
The sides are .25 or 3/8 fir plywood, use marine grade if you like, screwed with drywall screws or a 3/4 #6 stainless screws and glued in place. A hand held power planer makes fast work out of fairing the chines to accept the plywood. The bottom pcs are 3/8 marine plywood. No 4 or 5 rib is a double thickness rib to allow a solid but joint on the bottom. Use a .75 oak butt block for the side joints or you can just layer on the glass on the inside instead. Next, you remove the hull from the jig, flip it over, frame in the deck stringers, and cover it with .25 ac fir ply. Frame in the box opening with 1x6 oak. here
Our current boat has a traditional bimini. I had a bow curtain custom made because the OEM enclosure also included side and aft curtains, which I didn't want.
We had a bow rider and we used to camp all the time. The boat had B-T-B seats that folded down. It had what they used to call "Camper Canvas". The Bimini (actually convertible top) in the front, with a second top behind it. With side curtains and an aft curtain the cockpit was totally enclosed. A toneau covered the open bow. With zippers at the top, it was easy to put on while in the boat. [links]
I'm kinda' with Scott: beach it, pitch a tent or a nice hammock. here
1st choice tenting on beach above high tide mark of course LOL.
2nd choice no plastic but a fabric based tarp as John pointed out.
This past fall, an early hard freeze hit northern Minnesota. Smaller bays in big lakes froze. I went to mine only to find ice. I intended to break through in the morning so I boated back to the bar, watched the Thursday night football game, had a few suds, and then slept on a sleeping pad in my sleeping bag in my boat. It was great. Temps were around freezing so it was perfect camping weather. The local wolf pack woke me once when they howled in the middle of the night, and a loan coyote did the same to give me my sunrise wakeup call.
If not, under a bimini I would probably put a moisture barrier under a sleeping bag and just do the "under the stars" thing. I've done that several times and it's not a bad way to sleep. [links]