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Post by MickeyB on Jan 19, 2022 7:28:51 GMT
Hello All.
Advice required on a spray hood / dodger for my 34.2 SO
I do not have one at this moment, and am thinking of having one custom made. Can you please share any ideas that you would like to see on your perfect dodger/sprayhood?
Large soft windows (material?) Collapsable, semi rigid, solid? Not too encroaching on movement forwards. Is it worth joining to the bimini? (I am in Malta, rain is mostly not known here) Dedicated grab handles on the side (?) Night lighting? Shape looking from rear (classic oval or slightly more rectangluar)? Very tall, or just enough to huddle behind to hide from the wind?
Would love to hear your ideas on what makes the perfect setup.
Thanks
Mike
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Jan 19, 2022 8:56:02 GMT
Much of what you ask will be down to your taste for the aesthetic, big v small, but useful features I have found are: A zip out centre window panel ..... we run a gauntlet of pots each time we go out and lowering the window makes for better vision whilst still tucked in out of most the elements ( not hiding from sun here) Mesh pockets sewn on the inside , you can't have too many. Handles to assist getting past the hood going forward. Ours has a fold out flap / wings each side for increased protection in harbour which fold away whilst sailing.
The only thing I might add is a grab strip on the upper rear edge
CB
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Post by rene460 on Jan 19, 2022 9:34:59 GMT
Hi MickeyB, we have recently (2020) replaced the fabric on our dodger after 11 years, so now have some experience with the replacement, which included some excellent improvements.
Large soft windows are great. Zip down window or zip out per CB suggestion, is great for both ventilation on hot days and for my wife to see through for steering as she cannot see over. Clears are not really optically perfect for picking up nav beacons etc. especially in conditions causing moisture condensation.
Ours was collapsible but we never collapse it, and we see no need to ever collapse it. But rigid may be worth considering. There is one on our dock that looks very practical, but makes the boat look more like a motor sailor.
We added grab handles at the sides as it is a long reach between hand holds especially in waves. They have been an immediate success. Of course they make collapsing more difficult if you really want to do it. Probably easier to just remove it if racing is your thing and you really want it out of the way.
The grab handle across the rear bar we have had from original and would not be without it.
Night lighting, we have none, but easy to mount if your cockpit socialising would benefit.
I would describe ours as slightly more rectangular, it ensures that we clear the winch handle for the cabin top winch. It is on the tall side, yet I have still occasionally hit my head on a quick trip to the cabin. Unpleasant experience, and actually quicker to go slower and not hit head. Our height was an attempted compromise between high enough to not hit head and low enough to see over for steering. Probably would not look tall on a longer boat. Instead of shortening the bars to lower it, we went with a large zip down window which is quite suitable for seeing through for steering. As shelter to hide behind it is excellent.
We have a removable infil panel connecting to the bimini by zips. Excellent for shade when moored in summer. Not perfect for rain without fill side panels to divert rain outside coatings, but does make entering cabin a lot drier. We have had this from the start, but it was easier to get good fit by making new when the bimini and dodger were replaced. Would not be without it in our climate. Has to be removed for sailing as our main sheet anchors to the cockpit floor. May have more options with cabin top main sheet/traveller location.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask for more detail where I have not been too clear.
rene460
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Jan 19, 2022 11:00:21 GMT
And also ..... if you zip to the bimini, and so have half a zip on the sprayhood as ours has, we added a back drop to the hood with windows and door which becomes a mini cockpit enclosure for when our full cockpit canvas greenhouse is stowed away, it gives the companionway shelter and allows more air for when cooking, and is quicker to erect than the full cockpit enclosure for one night stop overs. We also had a pocket in which the half zip on the sprayhood hides when not in use, as the half zip can pull out hair !
CB
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Post by jdl01 on Jan 19, 2022 18:25:32 GMT
Hi Mickey B, Check out my Apr. 18th 2015 post on choosing a dodger design. Our trade offs were driven by a 'sailing performance first' approach, sacrificing some comfort choices for 'under way' preferences.
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barryl
Full Member
Posts: 49
Jeanneau Model: Sun Odyssey 409
Yacht Name: Sound’s Great
Home Port: Mt. Sinai, NY
Country: USA
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Post by barryl on Jan 20, 2022 20:40:53 GMT
Hello,
Some things to consider: Do you race? If so, you will want an easy way of lowering the sprayhood so it's out of the way. Do you want to look through the sprayhood or over it? If you are tall you may be able to adjust the height so you look over it. Over crew may need to look through it. Try to avoid the main mounting hoop being right at eye height. I have removable side windows. We use them in the early spring and fall for additional protection. If we're going to experience a lot of rain the side windows go in. My hood has a large window that zips closed or open. You need some way of keeping it open. My strap broke so if the were is wind on the beam the window blows back into the down position.
Barry
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Post by ForGrinsToo on Jan 24, 2022 18:32:26 GMT
We looked at a lot of dodgers (sprayhoods) on boats of a similar size before settling on a design for cruising. We wanted to be able to stand (190 cm) or sit under it for passagemaking in rain while the autopilot does the work. Our dodger extends over the cockpit and provides adequate shelter from weather. It's composed of 6 panels - 3 forward include a larger center window, 2 sides, and the top. All are zippered and removable. After 8 years, though there are straps to secure the rolled center window, we most often just flip it over the top. There are vertical posts that provide a little security but they aren't really handholds - the one thing I wish we had. The horizontal struts that stabilize the forward bow also serve nicely to store lines that are not in use. Many will argue that the aesthetic is adversely affected by the size. But we are cruisers and comfort is more important. Geoff
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Sprayhood
Jan 24, 2022 19:37:00 GMT
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Post by moonshadow on Jan 24, 2022 19:37:00 GMT
I added a clear panel inside my canvas and installed an LED light strip. Really nice to be able to light up the cockpit to eat after dark and mine also will turn colors so I can have proper lighting for night sailing.
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Post by MickeyB on Jan 25, 2022 12:58:08 GMT
Many thanks all - lots to consider, and ponder.
If we go ahead, I will post photos for all to see.
Mike
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Post by tomina on Jan 25, 2022 14:49:54 GMT
Suitably sized and positioned pockets. Malta. What no rain!! Well it might rain less in the Med but when it does it surely does. I would most certainly have it zipped to the Bimini. Mine is and also to the Gantry behind that. You can always unzip at leisure. Built strong enough to fit grab handles on the outside to facilitate movement round it and forward. Definately curved (not angled sides) far more graceful. And also tall enough to walk under without banging your head on it all the time….. and low enough to clear the boom above. Foldable, of course and removeable for the winter! Best wishes Michael Solano S/Y Julia Too. Presently in Marmaris, Turkey
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Post by zaphod on Jan 26, 2022 5:00:50 GMT
Our dodger is lower and sleeker than some, and I like it that way. When I am standing at the helm I can see over it rather than looking through the windows, which is nice when there is spray or rain on the windows. Our dodger has a clear connector to the bimini which is nice in rainy weather, but it also has a subrella cover for the connector so it can provide welcome shade at anchor. We have nice solid grab bars on the sides which are really nice to have, although if we wanted to fold it down we would have to unbolt the bars. We have never wanted to fold it down or remove it. We keep it up permanently and have a sunbrella cover to protect it from the elements when not in use. We also have a full cockpit enclosure which is nice for winter cruising up here in Canada. The whole setup is very versatile. The bimini folds back out of the way for open air sailing or racing, we can have a roof over the entire companionway and cockpit for rain or blazing sun, or we can have a full sunroom for those frosty winter weekends away!
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Sprayhood
Jan 26, 2022 5:22:47 GMT
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Post by vasko on Jan 26, 2022 5:22:47 GMT
As big (wide and height) as possible as back going as possible with handles and front opening.
I have installed the biggest one possible and extremely happy in bad weather also use is as a bimini with the front opening - soooo happy...
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Post by NZL50505 on Jan 26, 2022 20:54:36 GMT
I think you’ve already received some great advice and ideas which I won’t duplicate. But I’ll add one more potential idea (depends on final size & design of your hood) but as you can see from pics below I added 2x clears to the roof panels of our hood so when I’m sitting under it I can easily see the sails. And for sun protection the clears have velcro strips around them allowing sunscreens to be added. See one of them shown in one of the pics.
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Post by rxc on Jan 27, 2022 16:49:39 GMT
I have had a full cockpit enclosure for 14 years, and would never go sailing again without it, even in good weather. It keeps the rain off, as well as the sun, and I imagine that the sun can be quite brutal in Malta. The side curtains can roll up out of the way when the weather is fair. And, I can testify that if you get into really bad weather and the boat falls over on its side, a full cockpit enclosure can prevent a LOT of water from getting into the cockpit, and maybe even down into the cabin, where it will inevitably run over lots of expensive electrical equipment.
Your spouse will be much happier, too. You can see the back curtains behind me in the photo to the left. The cats also appreciate the protection.
The only addition I would make to the suggestions above is to add windows in the bimini and the transition piece between the bimini and dodger, so that you can see the sails. With a suncover on the inside, and with the window made of something that is VERY resistant to UV. I think Stratglass is the preferred option.
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bluetemple
New Member
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posts: 2
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Sprayhood
Mar 10, 2022 19:25:39 GMT
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Post by bluetemple on Mar 10, 2022 19:25:39 GMT
Hello everyone Where in Europe can I order or have fitted a completely new spray hood and frame for a Jeanneau 40.3 2005? Are they sold in kit form or do they need to be custom made? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on Mar 10, 2022 19:36:15 GMT
Some outfits will claim to have 3D modelling and be able to create one for you, but, you will get the best fit, and you can include as many or few of the endless options .... many listed on this thread. Go see your local sail makers, most will create a sprayhood for you.
CB
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Post by MickeyB on Mar 11, 2022 7:55:28 GMT
And where in Europe are you please?
Mike
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bluetemple
New Member
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posts: 2
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Sprayhood
Mar 11, 2022 15:42:45 GMT
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Post by bluetemple on Mar 11, 2022 15:42:45 GMT
Hi, Im in Italy, near Genova.
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martini70
Junior Member
Posts: 13
Jeanneau Model: SO 34,2
Yacht Name: Barbarossa
Country: Sweden
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Post by martini70 on Mar 14, 2022 7:05:33 GMT
We made our new sprayhood a little longer on the sides so there was more shelter behind. The angle of the handle is important. if it is wrong it will hit the traveller, when you fold it down. I would not like to be without it. My bimini goes a little bit over the spray hood so I can have it up when I am sailing or motoring
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martini70
Junior Member
Posts: 13
Jeanneau Model: SO 34,2
Yacht Name: Barbarossa
Country: Sweden
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Post by martini70 on Mar 14, 2022 7:07:49 GMT
Here is from another angle
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Post by rxc on Mar 14, 2022 19:15:31 GMT
One last item. Make sure that it is large enough that you can store the cockpit cushions under it at night, so that they do not get wet from eiher rain or dew. All of the cockpit cushions, including the small throw cushions.
Oh, and if you have cats onboard, try to figure out a good place for them to perch under cover. They really appreciate not having to dodge the spray.
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