Do you use Spray Dodgers?

[michael_w]

My boat came with a set. Used for one weekend as I found they got in the way and didn't stop the wind/spray etc. Also looked awful. It seems dodgers are a Brit thing. Never see them on overseas boats.

 

[lustyd]

on a beautiful Rival

Now there's a debate. I can't imagine anything making a rival look any worse!

 

[Poignard]

My boat came with a set. Used for one weekend as I found they got in the way and didn't stop the wind/spray etc. Also looked awful. It seems dodgers are a Brit thing. Never see them on overseas boats.

My boat had some and, after a short time, they were exiled to the attic where the mice can enjoy them. They were more trouble than they were worth. Like a fat crew member - reduced visibility, always in the way, completely spoiled the appearance of beautiful boat.

 

[Nicholas123]

Binned mine in Belgium because they were a mess & did'nt have any on the previous boat or see the need.
Just taken my canopy thing off because it was fragile & would probably have blown out if I had left it much longer.Now my boat is as God intended & I have more room to walk around the side decks

 

[sailorman]

Now there's a debate. I can't imagine anything making a rival look any worse!

He might not like a Vivacity with bilge keels either.

 

[nortada]

Yes

I had spray dodgers for years but I have decided to remove them. The cockpit is much lighter now and obviously it feels a bit more exposed, but, there is less clatter and no more interference with my winches. However, the Sprayhood will stay up. So, do you find spray dodgers useful or having spray dodgers is just a bad habit?

Dogers - yes. Comfort before beauty (in all things)

 

[claymore]

It seems to be emerging that better ( drier and sunnier) conditions persuade owners to dispense with dodgers.
In Scotland it can occasionally become a tad inclement. There is also a lot of naturism and dodgers are a proven preventer of blue willie syndrome

 

[millbeach]

I have had pockets sewn on the inside of my dodgers, well handy for - water bottle,charts,jumper and all sorts.
Also my name of my boat can be seen at distance.

 

[robertt]

I don't have them and had added this to the list of things I still have to get. But maybe they're not really necessary after all. I have had a couple of splashes down the back of my neck from waves coming over the side and thought dodgers would prevent such. But I like looking at the water and might miss that. What about transparent PVC ones?

 

[prv]

What about transparent PVC ones?

I think PVC would stretch and go saggy and the eyelets would eventually rip out - but I did once see a set made of the transparent laminate used for high-performance dinghy sails. It still had all the reinforcing kevlar "string" in it so I guess was made from sailmaking offcuts.

Pete

 

[Lakesailor]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl9UDOlX0eY&feature=youtu.be

On the other hand

 

[TSB240]

We have dodgers fitted and as some have already commented they:

give more privacy to occupants in the cabin on a small boat.
keep the wind off the arthritic hips of the wife
help others readily identify your boat.
Will hold chartlets, passage plans, tide spreadsheats, spectacles and bins
Provide a bit more colour and cordination to an AWB

I have never experienced them actually keeping any spray off.. On our boat that job is done by the spray hood.

They made our boat uncomfortably hot in warm weather in Brittany this year.(for me but not her!)

It was easy to spot any British boats there as virtually no french boats had blue dodgers with a name on the side.They were mainly white and nameless.

I saw one boat which had spray hood acrylic window let into the top half of the canvas so that they were able to see through the them.

 

[stevebrassett]

I have them, but have never felt the need to use them. Quite a lot of freeboard.

 

[claymore]

On the other hand

Just emailed the daughter and pointed out that she should have pulled the wrinklestring.
As official Deck Candy, I purely along for the ride and the sandwiches

 

[A1Sailor]

Just emailed the daughter and pointed out that she should have pulled the wrinklestring.
As official Deck Candy, I purely along for the ride and the sandwiches

Is that a lovely picture of the East Kyle of Bute?

EDIT:
Or is it, in fact, Windymere?

 

[claymore]

Tis the latter
Ill Bell in the background - Lakey was lurking so I kept my jumper on

 

[Lakesailor]

Just emailed the daughter and pointed out that she should have pulled the wrinklestring.
As official Deck Candy, I purely along for the ride and the sandwiches

Are you sure the deck candy didn't properly tension the main halyard.........


You can just see Calgarth Hall through the trees on the right.

 

[A1Sailor]

It looks remarkably similar to the bottom end of the East Kyle, looking NE towards the hills above Loch Striven! It isn't, though; obviously.

 

[pmagowan]

I didn't use my dodgers this year. Last season they got caught when we were blown over in a squall and they bent a stantion. Not too big a problem but it made me reluctant to use them. I do like the wind protection though.

 

[Lakesailor]

Another view looking west towards Belle Grange at the foot of Claife Heights.