The Workhorse Dodger: Time-Tested Craftsmanship
Our dodgers are known for their fine attention to detail as well as their rugged durability. We carry on a tradition of techniques developed by the Bay Area’s most respected dodger artisans, who made a life’s work of developing the methods we use today.
From our purpose-built tools and templates, to the hundreds of specialized techniques incorporated into every dodger, we honor our heritage by creating each dodger with meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising standards.
Our work carries an unconditional workmanship guarantee for the life of the canvas.
Thoughtfully Engineered Excellence
Every dodger begins with a personal consultation at the boat, where we listen to your needs and design a dodger perfectly suited to the boat’s lines and to your 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 sailing, every installation represents our commitment to creating the finest dodgers available.
From reinforced corners to precise stitching - details make the difference
“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.”
Dodger Features:
Premium Features on Every Dodger
- Frame of 1″ x .065″ (heavy wall) 316 stainless steel for best corrosion resistance. Our 316 stainless steel frames hold up for decades compared to cheaper 304 stainless frames.
- All metal dodger hardware is name-brand 316 stainless, ensuring long-term corrosion resistance that lasts a lifetime. We lubricate all set screws to ensure you can service the frame in the future.
- Welded aft handrail and through-bolted side handrails for safety. All made from 316 stainless steel.
- Frame constructed with two primary bows, one pair of rafters, and one pair of front stanchions for structural integrity and versatility. The frame doesn’t fall down when you take the canvas off; all the front and side curtains can be individually removed for sailing in hot weather, or for easy repair service. The rafters stiffen the frame and make the fabric dodger top tight, ensuring a long-lasting dodger.
- Choice of standard colors, Sunbrella marine fabrics.
- Never restitch: All sewing in heavy-weight, USA-made Tenara thread by Gore-Tex, guaranteed to last longer than the life of the Sunbrella fabric.
- Three front windows and two side windows, all removable, with plush-lined Sunbrella window covers. The five-window configuration is best for easier future repairs, and occasional storage of the window panels.
- Windows of optically superior .040″ Tuffak polycarbonate (lexan) for visibility unmatched by any vinyl window product.
- All inside reinforcement in mildew resistant, shrink resistant, and heat resistant awning material for ultimate long-lasting strength and durability. Our dodger window panels are fully lined with heavy-duty awning material, resulting in a rugged and elegant fabric structure that holds up to real-world abuse.
- Side curtain extensions are included: these may zip on and off, or they may be a simple foldable flap, depending on the boat. This easily removable flap covers more of the cockpit, providing more shelter from the elements.
- Chafe strips built into exterior of dodger top. Sometimes the mainsail will touch the dodger top, or people will lean on the dodger fabric. Over time, our chafe protection will prevent wear and tear on the more delicate Sunbrella fabric, significantly extending the life of the dodger.
- Zippers covered with our exclusive hidden storm flap. No hook and loop (velcro) to rot in the sun. Zippers are 100% hidden behind a layer of protective fabric. If maintained with occasional rinsing and lubrication, the zippers will remain usable and corrosion-free for the life of the dodger.
- Zipper included on aft edge of dodger for future use with companionway privacy curtain or other extensions. On request, we can include a zipper for use with Bimini, Sunshade, or Transition Awning.
- Name-brand corrosion-resistant fasteners and/or track chosen for each 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. We normally use 1.25″ heavy-wall stainless tubing for any dodger or bimini frame wider than 9 ft.
- Sewn-in mounting system for flexible solar panel installations.
- Mesh center window interchangeable with lexan front window. This provides ventilation and shade in the tropics (includes separate individual window covers for side windows when the mesh is installed).
- 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 with integrated canvas seahood hatch cover in the absence of a rigid sea hood over the companionway hatch slider area.
- Sunshade (zips to aft edge of dodger, extends to backstays or stern pulpit).
- Intermediate bow (or bows) sometimes required for a larger dodger, especially a dodger or bimini with flexible solar panels on top.
- Privacy curtain to close off the dodger aft. Provides warmth in cold weather, and extra privacy at the dock.
- Full dodger cover instead of window covers. Keeps the dodger clean and drastically extends the dodger service life. Recommended for lighter colors of Sunbrella that only last 5 to 8 years.
- Pouches sewn into side curtains for storing small items.
