Do we need dodgers?

[Cobra25]

We have taken the first step up from a dinghy and find ourselves in the same situation. We welcomed your post and reading the replies. It is obviously of great interest to most others as 580 have viewed. BoL

 

[LeonF]

I had a Sigma 33 with dodgers...just took them for granted because they were there. Then sailed one without and noticed the difference!!
Its a matter of your comfort threshold, and the design of your boat. Live without for the first or initial part of the season, plenty of other things to spend your money on. If you feel you might be more comfortable, and they don't restrict your access etc when mooring then go for it.
I now have a boat with pressurised water and a shower which I condemned as being soft before....and love it..

 

[ex-Gladys]

Someone said earlier about spray coming over the bow being the main issue... My experience varies... How often are you punching head to wind in a head sea? rarely. Most of the slop that comes aboard Amber is from "white horse" chop that happens as we pass, and seems to initate spray from around the chain plates and aft thereof. Dodgers are a real boon for that. Also discovered that an easily folding sprayhood is a great benefit in hot weather... You can get more breeze into the cockpit by folding it down in some circs.

Wouldn't be without either dodgers or sprayhood, but echo the comments about visibility - i.e. make sure you have a good look around frequently.