The Workhorse Dodger: Time-Tested Craftsmanship
Our dodgers are built using techniques refined over 30 years by the Bay Area’s most respected canvas artisans, well known for their beautiful, rugged, and dependable dodgers.
From our purpose-built tools and templates, to the hundreds of thoughtful techniques built into every detail of the dodger, we honor our heritage by creating each dodger with meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising standards.
Thoughtfully Engineered Excellence
Your Workhorse Dodger begins with a personal consultation at your slip, where we listen to your needs and design a dodger perfectly matched to your boat’s lines and your specific vision. Before final fabrication, we conduct a frame check with you aboard your boat, allowing you to verify the height and visualize the finished dodger by viewing the partially-installed dodger frame – ensuring the final product will meet your exact requirements.
Built by sailors who understand the demands of serious cruising, every Workhorse Dodger represents our commitment to creating the finest dodgers available.
From reinforced corners to precise stitching - details make the difference
How we made Moe's dream come true
Moe’s solar-powered dodger
“Like many Bay Area sailors, I had dreamed of adding a dodger to Yakamoz, my 1978 Columbia 10.7, but had assimilated the conventional wisdom that dodgers are luxuries, useful only on long passages. While I’d sailed to the Farallones and Drakes Bay numerous times, my perspective shifted dramatically during a night anchored off Santa Cruz Island on my friend’s Morgan 41.
Unable to sleep below, I nestled under his dodger, watching 40-knot gusts shake the rigging and reveal a dazzling canopy of stars rarely seen from the Bay. For the rest of the voyage, that dodger became my sanctuary – a place to read, watch dolphins play, and find shelter from the elements. The contrast with my previous exposed passages convinced me: it was time to sell those ETFs and invest in something truly valuable.”
Beyond beauty - Protection that performs
Our Dodger Features
Premium Features Included:
Premium Features
- Frame of 1″ x .065″ (heavy wall) 316 stainless steel for best corrosion resistance.
- All metal fittings are 316 stainless steel, ensuring long-term corrosion resistance.
- Welded aft handrail and through-bolted side handrails for safety.
- Frame constructed with two bows, one pair of rafters, and one pair of front stanchions for strength and versatility: the frame doesn’t fall down when you take the canvas off; and all the front and side curtains can be removed for sailing in hot weather, or for easy service. The rafters make the fabric dodger top tighter than other manufacturers, ensuring a long-lasting dodger.
- Choice of standard colors, Sunbrella marine fabrics.
- Never restitch: All sewing in heavy-weight, Tenara thread by Goretex, guaranteed for the life of the fabric.
- Three-piece front window and two side windows, all removable, with Sunbrella window covers. Optional full dodger cover recommended for lighter colors.
- Windows of optically superior .040″ Tuffak (lexan) polycarbonate for visibility unmatched by any vinyl window.
- All inside reinforcing in mildew resistant, shrink resistant, and heat resistant, 18 ounce Patio 500 vinyl for ultimate long-lasting strength and durability.
- Zippers covered with our exclusive hidden storm flap. No hook and loop (velcro) to rot in the sun.
- Zipper included on aft edge of dodger for future use with privacy curtain. On request, we include a zipper for use with Bimini, Sunshade, or Transition Awning.
- Corrosion resistant fasteners or track chosen for the specific application.
- Custom design consultation at your slip: designed to suit your requirements.
- Fitting and installation included.
Add-on Features
- Through-bolt dodger mounts with bored and epoxied mounting holes. Recommended for balsa core deck.
- Upgrade to 1.25” heavy-wall stainless tubing for a stronger frame.
- Chafe strip built into exterior of dodger top. if the mainsail will touch the dodger top, or if people will lean on the dodger fabric, the chafe protection will prevent wear and tear on the more delicate Sunbrella fabric.
- Aft stanchion/strut for extra handhold at the aft edge of the side curtain. This adds stiffness and strength to the dodger frame.
- Stainless steel hatch bow (may be required in the absence of a sea hood over the companionway hatch).
- Sunshade (zips to aft edge of dodger, pulls to backstay).
- Third bow (or more) if required for a very long dodger.
- Privacy curtain to close off the dodger aft for warmth in cold weather, and privacy at the dock.
- Substitute full dodger cover for window covers for cleanliness and longest dodger life.
- Mesh pouches below windows in side curtains for small items.
- Additional framing or sewn-in mounting system for solar panel installations.
Get your dodger quote
Just the two of us
We are your dodger makers
