[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

No unfortunately, I will watch it from the shore.

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

Time is coming... Waimanu already on the dry, the rest mainly depends on the weather...

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

Thank IT looks pretty good. Looks like I try to over-think the problem.

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

Doesn't sounds awful, but that is way more expensive what I considered to spend on it initially, even I need a smaller unit. Just for the curious do you know the key dimensions (boom length, sail height on the mast track when it is down)?

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

Would be great if the pic is handy.

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

Thanks, I was thinking to attach "webbing ears" like on the two end of the top (bottom of the picture) to attach the jack lines to them rather then cut the fabric. I really don't know yet, luckily I still have a couple of weeks before I have to put it on so I would much appreciate any suggestion regarding this.

clareb, good idea to start with something smaller just to get some experience with the fabric (unless you already have some). I will do the small things later, but I'm fairly confident I will not change my day job for this. Respect for everyone who do it for living.

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

Hi All, yes pretty much worth it to look around locally and source components here rather from overseas, based on my recent experience, also a few thoughts about dealing with Sunbrella without "professional" sewing machine.

#1  Walking foot is helpful, but the available "attachments" for domestic machines (Brother GS2700) are not that effective, so work without it is probably easier apart from long strait stitches.

#2  Using as large needle you can source ( 110/16 worked well for me), especially for PTFE thread. 

#3  My biggest issue was the position of the machine as my one  is a portable type which is sitting on the table, therefore "feeding" the material through evenly is a very difficult task (at leas was for me as I'm not an experienced machinist at all). If I do it next time I'll make up something to lower the machine to table top level.

 

Do it myself was a reasonably good choice, If I start again I would start with something smaller and simpler project. The cover is 85% ready, I have to figure it out how I want to attach to the lazy jacks (the way how sailrite does not too pretty, but I probably just over think it)

.

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

All windows in, ready to go. I couldn't believe how difficult to resist to taking protective film off from the plexiglass... it is hard... It's gonna be a looong two week before I can install it

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

That's correct, but hopefully I will not cry every time when I going aboard.

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

Slow progress due other commitments, but the paint job is done and the first window is in. Not bad, but I know what I would do differently next time.

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

That's pretty much a good point and easy to do. Also a good practice, I think, to lower the bag when the sail is up, so whatever happens with the boom it will not tear the cover.

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

You absolutely right, that's why I was researching a bit beforehand... Have you used Sunbrella, or something else? I think it was designed for this.

http://www.canvascompany.co.nz/shop/Outdoor+Fabric/Sunbrella+Marine+%26+Awning+Canvas/Sunbrella+152cm+wide.html, this is the biggest chunk of the purchase, they have everything, probably the thread is the only one what I did not found locally yet... Based on the numbers, I expect to fetch the $500 mark (NZD). top of that an electric rope cutter will be on the list what I needed anyway.

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

Hi clareb, the kit price for my boat is 265 USD, shipping around 120 USD plus local tax makes the Sailrite lot more expensive than buy the parts here in NZ so I go for the second option. Also as IT mentioned every boat/boom is different so the kit also needs to be "tailored" I think this is the sensible decision. I just going to order today... 

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

That's what I'm talking about. On my boat it is screwed on. I think I have to remove it, clean it and I'll glue it on permanently. Maybe I'll cut it in half (under the dodger) so I'll be able to access to the back end of the rail if needed. It was good for 40 years and I don't think anyone touched it since new. I think I'll take a very little risk to do I.

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

I was referring to the cover of the slide hatch. The reason why because at the moment it is screwd on and I want to fiberglass the dodger all around, including the par under the middle window. So the hatch still be operational.

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

A bit of delay on the haul out yard, so the plane slightly changed and installation is 22nd September onward. I also realized, I have to make all changes on the running rigging what I want advance so I have plenty to do anyway. Also I decided to modify the cockpit hatch cover as well to make it permanent. Is anyone done it before? I know the only way to access to the slide track, but do I have  to keep it accessible?

Anyway the mold is still intact and available if someone interested to use it. I can grab the key dimensions if needed. In theory very easy to make it fit to different coach-roof, also the window size and shape only depends on the foam core shaping which is pretty handy. Give me a PM for further details.

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

Thanks IT, I'll check their price as well tomorrow,. I was thinking to use Sailrite description as a guideline and make it fit to my needs. I have a Brother GS 2700, with a walking foot attachment which is fairly new I never used (I mean the walking foot) but i used the machine to patching up my old dodger last year with no problem so I'm confident it will do the job. By the way sailrite can supply lazy jack as well but separately.

[Stack-pack Sailrite kit vs source parts locally]

Is there any opinion about purchasing Sailrite kit to make (DIY) stack-pack? Perhaps anybody done it? Alternative solution to get Sumbrella from the Canvas company, they have all bits and pieces but seems it would be slightly more than the first one. I did not checked shipping cost but that could be more than a few bucks. I planing to make my own sail cover  soon.

[Nova 28]

Thanks BMW56, and the plus is, it is listed by the winner of the "friendliest seller of the month". 

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

Thanks Myjane, yes I have enough clearance, also I will lower it another 50mm when I install it (hopefully within a couple of weeks from now). I'll install windows beforehand I guess same as you have done it recently. I already made a "trial one of the port side windows with 3M VHB+ MS and that looks and works pretty well so far. Any advise on that? 

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

Well, I believe the glass is lot more permanent than acrylic (what I intended to install) so alternative way to observation is not quite necessary. Also a larger boat have more chance to provide full headroom under the dodger which make sense to extend it a bit further aft. I don't have full headroom under the boom either so the dodger is even lower. I've been on larger boat with hard dodger and I will never re-create the comfort what I experienced there (in terms of dodger height but of course it is true for the entire boat). I don't even try. 28" is really a funny size, probably the top of day/weekend sailing and probably the minimum for longer trips for one or two person. So as far I agree with this I will not expect more from it. Back to yours, do you have a similar companionway setup as on Waimanu? Some larger boats, mainly IOR boats have very small horizontal access way to the cabin, which is great as easy to seal it in case of needed but very uncomfortable to use in every day use.

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

 "I would add raised lips on the trailing edges (top & sides) to help deal with water running across it and onto you plus it would provide a better grip for hanging on to."

 

Yes I did. Actually I added extra lay of foam inside and outside as well, to add some strength, help to guide the water off the roof and also accommodates internal conduit for wiring, the GPS areal and built in lighting as well. The handrail is in perfect position... already started to yell "Please grab me !"

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

Nice job ! I'm planning on using  the same construction technique on a hard dodger for a 38 ft yacht. Its always going to be difficult to get good proportions on a small yacht such as the Nova. I might have put more curvature in the roof so you retain the height over the companion way but the outer edge is lowered. But hey when your coming back from man-o-war bay in a howling SW you will be way more comfortable.

Are you want to keep the option to look forward over the dodger? On small boat is kind of useful but I'm not sure about on a larger one. 

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

The answer to Mark is-  this is on the picture. In the other hand 50 mm lowering wouldn't cost much in terms of functionality, but could improve the visual "harmony". So I'm certain about to lower it that much.  

[Nice looking hard dodger on small boat-difficult (impossible) task]

Hi, spoke to you yesterday. Looking from afar, methinks too, too, high

Hi, yes I walked around, tried to judge from the distance... but you know cutting off in any stage is lot easier than adding to it... I planed to haul out early next month to install it. You are welcome to come along.