Dodgers anyone?

[Bill]

Finally, a comment on the esthetics. The dodger is not very flattering to the boat’s figure Comfort does involve compromises . . .

[bill@ariel231]

very nice..

question: what is the height of the dodger above the bridge deck?

[Ed Ekers]

Mr. Bill, I have a couple of questions. My first thought was/is this a sign that Lady J has been pasted on to a new skipper? Also I remember the dodger being blue, if I am correct hoe did it become black?........ed

[Bill]

Mr. Bill, I have a couple of questions. My first thought was/is this a sign that Lady J has been pasted on to a new skipper? Also I remember the dodger being blue, if I am correct hoe did it become black?........ed

Lady J is up for sale. Actually, it's the slip that's for sale.

New cover is the answer to the color question. Old cover was shot. Plus, with modifications to the frame, it no longer fit. To allow for easier access to the cabin, we raised the height from the deck by about seven inches. That required longer aft braces and shorter side grab rails. The boom now just clears the top of the dodger. (Unlike Lady J, Maika'i's gooseneck is fixed at the lower band on the mast.) Last Monday's test sail in light air turned up no clearance problems.

[Tony G]

Bill
I think Maika'i looks sharp as a tack with that new dodger. She looked just as beautiful without one I should add.

How about a gallery thread for Maika'i? You have added photos of her here and there to other threads over the years, how about giving us a tour?

[mbd]

Here's a pic of the dodger on "Lady J" from a few years back when Gene was kind enough to take me out on the bay during a visit out west. That is one nice sturdy dodger!



PS. I'll second TonyG's request! Let's see a nice layout of racing Ariel!

[Tony G]

Mike

Thanks for the archival photo. It gives some perspective to the changes made by Bill. Again, I think it's a sharp addition to 76/Old Yeller/Maika'i. Did I miss a moniker?

[Bill]

. . . how about giving us a tour?

Well . . . Although some trim is back, below decks is pretty much stripped out -- not even any cushions -- and the forecabin is a disaster area. We've focused our limited abilities mostly on the "sailing" and exterior aspects and let the other stuff slide. The next "ten year plan" includes putting some of our efforts below deck . .

[commanderpete]

Fine looking boat there Bill, and the dodger is just right

This is the only photo I've ever seen of a dodger on a Commander

[Tony G]

Yeah, you may have the only photo of a Commander with a dodger, CPete. Maybe my brainpan is too lose but that looks okay to me. Actually, I've never noticed before how a Commander could take pilothouse type hard dodger... By George!! I think you've got it, man!

Who's quick with the CAD? We need a prototype drawing

"IT COULD WORK!!"

[Rico]

Hmmm...
NOT bad looking little dodger for a Commander, I must say...

I can certainly think of a time or two where I wished for a bit of spray protection... But 99% of the time I sail in weather that is quite nice... and a bit of a soak is not usually a big deal...
It looks like this set-up would be easily and cleanly removable?

Very nicely made Dodger Mr. Bill. Nice work around the clutches! I like the black color; it would match the Mephisto Cat's gray hull...

[joe]

otherwise known as "artificial shade" here in Oklahoma