A Sailboat Dodger Constructed From Low-Cost Basic Materials ~ Overview
In essence, I took some 3/4″ schedule 40 PVC pipe and bent it over from one of the cockpit handrails to the other. This formed the arc for the rear of the dodger. I measured the angle relative to the the handrail and designed a bracket to clamp the PVC pipe to the handrail. Then I took a second piece of pipe and bent it to form the arc for the front of the dodger. I offered it up to the first pipe and marked the first pipe where I wanted to ‘T’ the second pipe into it. After which, I cut and glued the T’s for the second pipe. This second pipe needed supporting at the front, so I built a bridge over the sliding hatch cover from mahogany. I then formed 3 vertical struts with more PVC ‘T”s and designed and printed brackets to connect those to the bridge. Now I had a rigid frame on which to build the hard dodger. The dodger top is made from 1/4″ plywood that had shallow grooves cut along the length of it to allow it to bend. I made a template from plastic sheet for the top and used it to cut the plywood outline, After bending the plywood I placed it onto the PVC frame and got the shape I needed, held into form under tension by tying a rope from one corner of the plywood to the other. I then added a layer for fiberglass to the entire plywood surface (both sides), and reinforced with an extra layer along the edges. The hard dodger top is bolted to the PVC pipe frame, and the canvas work forms the front of it.
In essence, I took some 3/4" schedule 40 PVC pipe and bent it over from one of the cockpit handrails to the other. This formed the arc for the rear of the dodger. I measured the angle relative to the the handrail and designed a bracket to clamp the PVC pipe to the handrail. Then I took a second piece of pipe and bent it to form the arc for the front of the dodger. I offered it up to the first pipe and marked the first pipe where I wanted to 'T' the second pipe into it. After which, I cut and glued the T's for the second pipe. This second pipe needed supporting at the front, so I built a bridge over the sliding hatch cover from mahogany. I then formed 3 vertical struts with more PVC 'T''s and designed and printed brackets to connect those to the bridge. Now I had a rigid frame on which to build the hard dodger. The dodger top is made from 1/4" plywood that had shallow grooves cut along the length of it to allow it to bend. I made a template from plastic sheet for the top and used it to cut the plywood outline, After bending the plywood I placed it onto the PVC frame and got the shape I needed, held into form under tension by tying a rope from one corner of the plywood to the other. I then added a layer for fiberglass to the entire plywood surface (both sides), and reinforced with an extra layer along the edges. The hard dodger top is bolted to the PVC pipe frame, and the canvas work forms the front of it.
John Jordan Sailing and Sea Stories
Storied adventures in small sailboats on the ocean, and vlogging my own outings multi-day coastal cruising in a 19' sailboat (S/V "Jonah", a West Wight Potter 19). Please subscribe to my channel as we travel the California coast, or simply subscribe for the sea stories!
Channel Information:
Social Media Links:
Note of Recognition for John Jordan Sailing and Sea Stories
At WeBoating.com, we profoundly acknowledge the unwavering dedication that John Jordan Sailing and Sea Stories and other creators invests in crafting each and every video. Their passion for delivering exceptional content shines through every frame, and it's a labor of love that deserves your attention.
We invite you to watch their captivating videos and actively engage with their content, including their social media links above. Liking, commenting, and sharing their work goes a long way in fueling their creative fire.
We're also inviting you to explore any sponsorships and partnerships highlighted in the video description of "A Sailboat Dodger Constructed From Low-Cost Basic Materials ~ Overview", or directly on YouTube. By considering their offerings or purchasing services and items, you not only support John Jordan Sailing and Sea Stories but also the brands and collaborators they're associated with.
If you have any feedback, corrections, or additional information about John Jordan Sailing and Sea Stories or their videos, please use the comment form below to share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the creators we cherish. Your time and support truly matter!
John Jordan Sailing and Sea Stories Lastest Videos
Showing 1-6 of 42 results
It’s a little rough out, Cap’n!
Visit my YT channel for more! #sailboat #sailing
~ SUMMER CRUISING IN A TINY SAILBOAT (part 2) ~ Bucking Keel!
This is part two of an epic 11-day sailing adventure cruising the Pacific coast, SF Bay Area and the Sacramento Delta aboard my West Wight Potter 19, with not a single night in a marina. Transcript... We're off to an early start this morning. this time t...
~ SUMMER CRUISING IN A TINY SAILBOAT (part 1) ~ Lost Autopilot and Electronic Charts!
This is part one of an epic 11-day sailing adventure cruising the Pacific coast, SF Bay Area and the Sacramento Delta aboard my West Wight Potter 19, with not a single night in a marina. Reflecting back, it had everything: Battery dead Lost my hat Dragged...
Adding Windows To Jonah’s Dodger
I finally got around to adding windows to Jonah's new dodger. This short video shows some of the details of how it was made and highlights the finished item. Parts List (ordered from sailrite.com): Sattler® Marine Grade Cherry Red 60" Fabric (6078) 1243...
A Sailboat Dodger Constructed From Low-Cost Basic Materials ~ Overview
In essence, I took some 3/4" schedule 40 PVC pipe and bent it over from one of the cockpit handrails to the other. This formed the arc for the rear of the dodger. I measured the angle relative to the the handrail and designed a bracket to clamp the PVC pip...
A Unique Hand-Crafted Dodger
Unique low-cost design of dodger constructed from fiberglass with plywood core, PVC pipe frame, 3D-printed brackets, and hand-stitched canvas.
Something AWESOME is coming!
Be the FIRST to know⛵
Sign up for exclusive updates and be the first to hear when we go live!
Get sneak peeks, exciting announcement, and special content straight to your inbox!
We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.