hard dodger front

[Tranona]

View attachment 42307

Something like this with pop studs on the top for a cover would be great.


Dropping the boom on it, not so much.

You can easily get frameworks like that made - Vetus have them for example custom made to fit your boat with toughened glass panels. However, they are not cheap and it is difficult to make them look attractive as add ons to a boat not designed for them.

The one in the original post looks like a reinforced GRP moulding with polycarbonate panels. Needs a bit of skill to get the framework rigid enough but otherwise not difficult to make - although getting the aesthetics right is a challenge!

 

[Chanquete]

Hard dodgers are probably nice to have but the specific ones in the picture are too small. I mean they don't offer much protection (to the inside of the boat only been so small) from the hatch door.

I agree with you cmedsailor. I also think that the posted hard dodgers are quite small.
On the other hand anyone enjoying sailing close hauled should considere that the larger the dodger the greater the drag impairing the windward speed and pointing ability. At least the windward aerodynamic behavior of a dodger should be considerered.
The frontal surface of the dodger should be carefully streamlined.


Obviously the solution is to find an acceptable compromise.

 

[Daydream believer]

Would it not be easier to just buy a Halberg Rassey

 

[causeway]

If you're willing to 'lend' me the money, then sure.

 

[Stork_III]

I thought that tempered glass shatters into thousands of tiny bits if it does break. Laminated glass cracks but the plastic film in between the two layers of glass holds the whole thing together. I would suspect that the glass in a fixed spray hood (which is how I would describe those pictures) would be laminated and not tempered.

Glass in HR windscreen dodger is toughened not laminated.

 

[widgeon]

Glass in HR windscreen dodger is toughened not laminated.

... and it smashes into thousands of pieces. Ask one of my racing crew how I know!