[Public-List] Spray Dodger questions

[Avery Boyer]

I wouldn't recommend using the Sailrite kit really, you'll end up with a
dodger that may be of okay quality but certainly won't be up to par
aesthetically. The classic lines of the Alberg 30 cry out for an elegant
dodger, which the Sailrite kit won't really provide. I am a fan of Sailrite
generally but as someone who does canvas for a living I don't really like
their kits for more complex projects. That said, it's the easiest route by
far for building on your own. It just depends on how much time and energy
you're willing to invest I guess. I built my own dodger having never built
one before and am pleased with it, but I have a couple years of experience
templating and installing them professionally so I have a good grasp on
what one should look like. Bending the frame is really the hard part-there
are books out there that are pretty good and explain how to do it but I'd
spend some time staring at other dodgers and deciding what you like before
you go that route. After that it's really a matter of getting an accurate
template. If you do, and you sew accurately, you'll end up with something
really nice. If you choose to go with a professionally made dodger, find
out what materials they use (Solarfix or other PTFE thread, dacron
reinforcement, Seaquest vinyl or better yet, Sunbrella Horizon are
preferred), make sure they use good fasteners (lift the dot or tenax, not
snaps or twist the dots) and find out if they fabric fit or use plastic for
templating. Fabric fit is cheaper but using plastic is often (but not
always) a sign of higher quality and better fit. If you possibly can, try
and have them use awning track (keder track) with bolt rope on the front
windows as it'll seal a lot better then fasteners screwed into the dock. Be
annoying, ask lots of questions, and do your research. There are plenty of
good shops out there but many others are just trying to scrape by and will
do whatever they can to save money and will slap together something you
could have done better yourself for a lot cheaper. Whatever you decide,
best of luck, and it'll be worth it.

On Wed, Jun 24, 2020 at 2:12 AM John Brugeman via Public-List <
public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:

> We had a dodger put on 305 about eight years ago and it was professionally
> done and we are very happy with it. I would make sure you have windows all
> the way around and we had a zip on sunshade over the cockpit With zipper on
> side curtains. Also we had a zip in window on the front side of the dodger
> which is nice in light air. Only use one inch stainless tubing.Total cost
> was about $2700.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Jun 23, 2020, at 1:49 PM, Andrew Johns via Public-List <
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> >
> > We recently copied an existing  dodger. I cut the old one apart and
> used it
> > as a template for the new one.   It took about 20 hours to complete and
> > about 250 in materials (window material are expensive).
> >
> > Take a look at some of the sailrite youtube videos to get an idea what is
> > involved.
> >
> >> On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 11:58 AM Christopher Soontiens via Public-List <
> >> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> Greetings,Anyone have experience with getting a new dodger installed on
> >> their Alberg 30, or ordering kit from Sailrite or elsewhere and making
> >> their own? I'm not quite sure I like the boxy shape of the Sailrite
> dodger
> >> kit for serious weather/ offshore purposes, and wondering if it's worth
> the
> >> time and work and savings involved to do a diy dodger? How much has it
> cost
> >> you to have the pros do a dodger on your A30? Is it a fair amount of
> >> savings to do a diy dodger and worth the time and effort? Especially if
> I
> >> can procure an old working portable industrial Singer sowing machine?
> >> Thinking of savings in this area to put towards other offshore upgrades
> >> like wind vane, anchors, solar, gimballed stove, dinghy, bow roller,
> >> eventual manual windlass, etc.. Any info on your experiences or
> >> recommendations are much appreciated. Thanks
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