Not a current project, but something I have been sketching on and thinking about for several years.
I just did a coastal delivery on a Jason 35 with a nice frp dodger with glass windows. The visibility forward and the general strength was wonderful.
Since our our '95 vintage small dodger is nearing the end of the cloth & window life, we are thinking about a full size one next time around.
Anyone here ever made their own up or had one made?
I am envisioning something in light weight cored frp with acrylic or glass windows. The design would have to complement the look of the cabin angles and general shape. At least enough to blend in. I have seen quite a few dodgers that looked quite out-of-place on other sailboats.
Getting the balance right between function and style is tricky. In a "soft" dodger some of the best work I've seen is from a fellow up in Seattle.
http://www.iversonsdesign.com/index.html
While I might prefer a solid top, his cloth tops do show a
lot of design background and experience.
Anyone with experiences and photos, feel free to add 'em.
Thanks,
Loren
edit: I have not found much on this subject on the web, but did find a couple of threads.
http://www.morganscloud.com/2008/06/20/homebuilt-hard-dodger/
http://marshalldesign.blogspot.com/2007/04/hard-dodger-test.html