The
dodger or correctly named the Hard Top
is made of solid GRP, including (if
required) a companionway hatch envelope,
which locks in place with the dodger.
This all bolts down to the cabin top and
top of coamings and sealed, so there are
no visible fixings seen from the outside
and it is totally waterproof.
Windows
are currently 4.5mm polycarbonate (Lexan),
but I would change that to 6mm
Polycarbonate or 6mm Toughened glass (Armour
Plate) as they do flex a little and
scratching is possible. An addition to
my dodger will be some form of frame
around the windows to match existing
windows. I currently have not made or
fitted these as they are only cosmetic.
If I produce these dodgers, the windows
may be installed using a one piece alloy
frame. (still to be decided, depending
on cost)
The coach
roof will have short handrails placed in
line with existing handrails on the rest
of cabin tops. I have a mainsheet
traveler, which will possibly be fitted
to the front of dodger and fixed over
the envelope on two solid timber bases
each side of the cabin top. I will be
seeking some technical details as to
whether or not the purchase on the boom
will be OK with this system. If so, this
will give all sorts of possibilities to
place a Bimini from the aft end of the
dodger to the backstay, giving superb
protection from the elements.
This has
been the best thing I have ever done to
my yacht. I have sailed in all weathers
and all points of sailing and cannot
find one fault. Visibility is excellent.
When at the Galley, just stand on the
first step, pop you head out the
companionway and you have 360 degree
views. When you are sailing (with your
autohelm on), stand on the second step
of the companionway and you have the
best position to see everything, again
360 degrees, and you are comfortable,
warm and dry. At the same time you can
see all surfaces of your sails...no more
hanging on to the dodger on the leeward
side to check if your Genoa is set
properly...just look through the
windows! And by the way...you can see
the windex on top of the mast from this
position!
If you
think H28's are a comfortable boat,
well, add a Hard Top and you will have a
"luxurious" boat.
I had a
comment from someone who motored past
whilst I was at anchor the other
day..."is that a 36 foot Herreshoff?
Doesn't she look great with a hard
top" ...now that made me feel good!
Contact
Darrell 09 3762632 or 021 742 928
Stan 025 519 216
Darrell Meehan
School of Building Technology
UNITEC Applied Technology Institute
Private Bag 92025
Auckland
Ph 815 4321 ext 8078
New Zealand
ph. 64 9 815 4321 ext. 8078
fax. 64 9 815 2907
email: dmeehan@unitec.ac.nz
