

Hello!
We are thinking about getting/making some dodgers for Bob who is a composite Twister. Looking at the stanchions we have two options, long so that they cover the windows by the galley and the chart table or short so they don't protect the whole cockpit. I was thinking to go short, but I wondered if anybody had any advice?
Thank you,
Katie

Katie
Before you spend any money, might I suggest you try and rig up some sort of temporary dodgers to see how you get on with them? My Twister had dodgers when I bought her and I removed them because I felt they impeded all round vision, especially when heeled (I like to steer sitting on the lee cockpit seat), and got in the way when passing mooring lines. Also, I hated the look of them!
John
ps If you want the measurements of my dodgers, I have them in the attic and I could post a sketch here.

Hello John,
I do agree with you about them not being pretty and that they can get in the way. The more we talk about them the more we talk ourselves out of getting them so I really like the idea of the temporary ones, I've got to get my sewing machine out to make some cushions so I might as well have a go at some dodgers with some of the left over material. I'll be out on the boat tomorrow so I'll take some measurements and play around with it, thank you for the offer of the measurements, but I wouldn't want to put you to the trouble.
Best wishes,
Katie
Hi Katie
I have just had a mostly motoring trip on a Twister without dodgers. Their lack was very welcome on the hottest days in June since 1976 because there was a breeze across the cockpit. However, on a slightly cooler morning their lack was noticeable.
I have dodgers. In more usual conditions I find them very welcome; if not helming I can find a wind free corner to windward under the sprayhood. They extend forward to the beginning of the cabin top. Any further forward and they'd collect a lot of sea when heeled.
It's also good in harbour because I have an awning; when raining I can rig it down to the dodgers and create a relatively dry area.
It's also useful to boldly, as I do, display the name. Helps when entering port and also, I think, at sea when near a Border Protection Vessel. As soon as the one off Cherbourg saw the name it went away again...because I was a 'known vessel' to them.
Happy sewing...and an awning could be the next task!
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