SPOTECH DODGERS 1. How much protection will a dodger provide? A Sportech dodger will fully cover the companionway and depending on the type of boat, will overhang into the cockpit anywhere from 14” to 34”. Aft swept side wings protect against spray and wind abeam. 2. How will a dodger look on my boat? All of our dodgers are designed to blend aesthetically with the lines of your yacht while still maintaining maximum coverage. Sportech can provide scale drawings or photos, height and overhang measurements, for all our dodger designs.
3. Can I custom design my own dodger? Yes! Although we have excellent standard designs for most production yachts we realize that some sailors have special needs and requirements. We are happy to produce custom patterns at your boat with you present, this way you have maximum input as to the height, style, window design, etc. The cost of a custom dodger is determined by the amount of extra patterning, consultation and travel time. We will be pleased to discuss your needs and provide price quotes. 4. Does Sportech guarantee my dodger? Yes! We believe that our guarantee is the most comprehensive in the marine canvas industry. Our stainless frames and fittings are fully covered against corrosion in fresh or salt water and breakage for a period of five years. The Sunbrella fabric from which our dodgers are made is covered against fading, shrinkage and mildew for a five year span. 5. Can I install my own dodger? Definitely! Over 75% of our dodgers are customer installed. Each dodger is shipped with a complete installation kit which includes all-stainless fasteners. Simple step by step instructions and diagrams make installing a Sportech dodger a breeze. All you need to install a Sportech dodger is a drill and screwdriver and an hour and a half of spare time. 6. Will my dodger fold down? Yes! On a fair sailing day the dodger will quickly and easily fold and lay down on the cabin top, forward of the companion way, completely out of the way. 7. Can I remove my dodger for racing? Many racers simply unzip the dodger from the framework and fold the frames forward. In most cases the frames can completely removed by loosening one bolt in each deck bracket.
Many of the boats we produce dodgers for are equipped with bridgedeck travellers just aft of the companion way. This traveller position tends to limit the amount of overhang we can achieve. There are; however, solutions to this problem. Whenever possible the mainsheet can be angled aft on the boom by up to 10” to accomplish the desired overhang. This is a simple and easy relocation of the mainsheet bale that will have no adverse affect on mainsail trim. We have also found that when sailing on a broad reach or run the mainsheet will cut across the sidewing of the dodger. If this is a short term point of sail the leeward sidewing can be undone allowing the sheet to exit the cockpit farely. When on a downwind passage a snap shackle installed on the lower block can be released, and the lower unit can be snapped outboard on the genoa rail where it is completely clear of the dodger and companionway. 9. Will the dodger accommodate aft lead halyards on my coach roof? Yes! All of our standard designs have small reinforced cutouts along the lower edge to allow factory installed halyards, spinnaker gear, etc., to lead under the front of the dodger. For boats with custom deck layouts we can provide the customer with a line diagram which will allow us to custom position these cutouts. In most cases all coach roof winches are still operational with the dodger up. We have seen the odd occasion where a winch is located far enough outboard that a full rotation with a 10” handle is not possible. Sometimes an eight inch handle will remedy this problem. If this won’t work, ratcheting the winch is the only solution. 10. What standard features does the Sportech dodger include? All of our dodgers come standard with zipper opening front windows and roll up tabs and a zipper on the aft edge to accommodate an extension or bimini. 11. Are there special options which can be added to enhance the dodger? Yes! There are various shapes and sizes of grab rails which can be added to the forward or aft frames which provide secure hand holds while standing in the cockpit or manouvering around the dodger. Tinted windows and storage boots are also available.
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8. My boat is equipped with a bridge deck traveller, will it interfere with my dodger?