Dodger height

[danmerlis]

I am planning to install a dodger on my recently acquired 1999 MKII.  Trying to figure out the optimum height of the dodger for both me (6' tall) and my wife (5'8").  I searched prior posts on dodger installations and the posts were from folks 5'8" who indicated that 62" height worked well for them.  I am wondering if some of you who are 6' or taller have any recommendations on dodger height.  Also would appreciate ideas on dodger design and features.  Thanks and I hope everyone has a great holiday!

-Dan Merlis
Herrington Harbour North
Maryland

[Wayne]

I'm 6-3, and look over the top of the dodger.  My wife is short, and looks through . . .

[Mark Wey]

Dan, I am 6'2". Like Wayne I look over the dodger. However if you go all the way and install a Bimini and connector panel. Remember to put in a window on the connector panel portion. Also make sure that it has a flap to close when you don't want the sun Velcro works great. The same thing goes for the Bimini portion. You want to see the windex from the helm seat.

Mark

[Ron Hill]

Dan : Always give your production year and hull#.
Stand at the wheel and have you & 1st Mate, with the canvas maker decide how high it should be!!
There have been NUMERIOUS write ups on your very question with many many answers!!   

[Stu Jackson]

See reply #3 at:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=3441.0

Click the link on that post for my suggestions.

[David Sanner]

Looking over a dodger is nice but it's a trade off as everything on a boat.  At 6' you could go either way.

Side handles are nice but also folding a dodger forward
when the weather is nice.

One recommendation I would make is spend the extra money on
Gore-Tex (Tenara) thread or something similar.  I doesn't degrade
with UV exposure so it will outlast your canvas.

Though my canvas is in great shape I need to resew every seam that has UV exposure

[canuck]

We used strata glass and have a dodger, bimini connector and bimini custom made out of Sunbrella. Color is Captain Navy. We have two grab bars on the sides as well as one at the rear of the dodger. They come in very handy. Get a cover and clips for all dodger windows. Helps protect the strataglass. Our dodger is 4 years old and is in excellent condition.
Side covers should not be so long as to interfere with the winch handle action. Use the best thread possible. Do not use any leather products as trim as they will get very dirty and show mildew, mould et cetera. 100% Sunbrella.
While at it have your guy make a wheel and pedestal cover, winch covers and a cover for the hatch boards with a built in mosquito net. This h/b cover can be installed with clips as well and really stops any weathering of the boards after a good dose of Deks Olje!
Wash Sunbrella with a mild laundry soap aand a very soft brush.
We also made covers for the two large Lexan hatches, fore and midship. 
TTFN
Latitudes 2004 MkII #1678
P.S. Going down to the boat today to install 8" ABS acess plate to get at that dam zinc anode on the H/X!!!!!!!
Merry Xmas to all.

[Kyle Ewing]

Another consideration is boom clearance.  You don't want the boom to come into contact with your dodger while tightly trimmed.  The sail may stretch some as it ages.

[Joe Kern]

Canuk - that project is on my list as well.  Post some pics if it works out.  I can't stand the hx access.

Joe

[Mike Vaccaro]

Kyle's post has merit--the first thing to consider when fitting a dodger is adequate boom clearance.  The next time you are are out sailing, trim the traveler amidships and then sheet the main as flat as you can.  You may be able to do this at the dock if the wind is light or favorable.  Measure the height of the boom above a couple of reference points.  Then travel up and down and repeat your measurements.  If you allow a few inches for margin, this represents the worst case scenario for clearance. 

Cheers,

Mike