Using the same pattern making strategy as before, I affixed straping tape on the tubes where I envisioned a seam, then put double-sided tape on top of that. As I couldn't locate any 2mil thick plastic dropcloths locally, I decided to buy some lightweight clear vinyl from the local fabric shop called El Castillo. When this was stretched tightly and evenly, I outlined and measured the dimensions of all of the cut-outs for handles, seat supports and oarlocks then marked where the top of the rubrail was all the way around the outsides.
Materials used were heavy grey denim, Sunbrella being way too expensive down here at roughly $30/yard, medium blue PVC fabric for the bow and rubrail, and grey rubberized vinyl for reinforcement purposed as it will resist scuffing much better than the PVC.
Additionally, the rubrail assembly included a casing at the bottom to accommodate the rope which would fall directly under the widest part of the rail and serve to hold the cover in place. A separate assembly flap was made to "cup" the front at the bow, holding that part of the cover in place.
After a discussion with the Cap'n we decided to add reinforcement in the form of a "racing stripe" across the top of the port side where the davit rubs when the dinghy is raised up high and tight for passages. Seen best on photo below left.
Finally the 2 front corners needed some extra oomph as they tend to bang up against pilings, docks etc. Seen best on photo below right.
I also made a couple of small PVC and webbing assemblies and sewed them to the upper inside seams in the bow to be used for tying things off, such as fenders, anchor lines, and the like.
The old dodger was rather poorly made; 2 lengthwise portions of Sunbrella canvas sewn together just won't hug the frame and provide a snug fit, so there was point in trying to use it as a pattern. It was time to start over from scratch - we love a challenge!
After purchasing a somewhat rudimentary but quite useful video on dodger construction from Sailrite, I felt like I had the conceptual ideas down enough to start. First things first, make a pattern. Sounds easy, right? It took an entire day.
We decided to use Pacific Blue Sunbrella and .0040 gauge Strataglas for the windows. We wanted to be able to take the entire dodger off without having to remove the frame - meaning zipper casings for each bow. We also wanted to either unzip and flip up the center section of the windshield, or take it out entirely - another 3 zippers.
We decided to rake the sheerline at the back of the side curtains to give the dodger a "racier" look.
This was (finally) accomplished using Sunbrela and velcro, and is secured in place with stainless steel grommets. They hold it in place during heavy weather.
We read about this in a cruising magazine and copied it with materials left on hand from the dodger project.
It is really wonderful when it's raining, No hassle mon, just flip it up and climb up or down below, then flip it back down again.
I added a pair of snaps to the companionway slat cover (above) so this just snaps onto it and stays put.
Click the shot for an enlargement.
The obvious benefits being the additional shade both down below and in the cockpit, plus protection from rain which was falling straight down the companionway.
On one side I used a zipper that had been installed in the dodger tail when I made it, and on the other, some vinyl awning track was mounted on the boom gallows with awning rope sewn on the fabric side.
The other fabric in the shot, on the other side of the gallows is the bimini...kind of confusing, huh?
Click the shot for an enlargement.
The vinyl bags not only conform to the space available, but also contain leaks should they occur, and the contents are readily visible, making it fast and easy to find a particular item. They are also great for use in the dinghy. With a velcro flap they are fairly waterproof. In ours we carried the handheld VHF, the digital camera, pocketmail device, dry clothes, beer etc. Also quite useful for showering at marina facilities, outings to the beach and all.
Click each shot for enlargements.
I guess we all know how cockpit storage lockers can get regardless of how disciplined one tries to be - so the Capt'n requested my assistance in making an idea of his become a reality, something on the order of "Make it so, Number One".
He envisioned a compartmentalized assembly that would hold both our large fenders and the small dinghy fenders in such a fashion that it would be easy to pull just one fender out and put it back. He also wanted loops made of nylon webbing at each end (it turned out all across the top line) so that he could mount it outboard of the lazarette engine compartment access.
Each compartment has a footer sewn in to prevent the fender from sliding right on through.
