Geoff's hard dodger, for example, does raise the question of windage in a blow and control of the Ariel - and that you'll probably loose it if you pitchpole or get swept by a comber. On other forums, everyone agrees that it's difficult to get a hard dodger to look good - but all experienced cruisers (except the masochists) agree they're necessary for the quality of life, a cruiser's life.

Aestheticly I'd agree that Ariel's look best with a pram style dodger where everything folds down. Maybe it looks more shippey because it is part of the rig rather than an extension of the designer's coachroof sculpture.

Instruments, including a centerline compass (Geoff - and me too) can be mounted on a molded dash over the forward end of the companionway. The hard dodger creates another room or covered porch where you can put things. It's a real solid grabbing point when you're standing in the cockpit or leaving and entering. And a place to rig a midboom travelor and the solar panels. Maybe the propane can be mounted on the seahood. and/or the inflatable. Theis has a gorgeous pram hood and flexible solar panel installation which in terms of weight saved alone could be thought of as ideal for voyaging.

I'm all ears...