Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

Constructing a hard dodger for a sailboat involves creating a cardboard mockup to determine height and sightlines, followed by cutting plywood panels to shape.Watch The build utilizes the stitch-and-glue method, where panels are joined with zip ties and reinforced with thickened epoxy fillets and fiberglass tape.2:34 To ensure structural integrity for mounting, five layers of fiberglass are applied to internal attachment tabs, which are secured to the boat with four bolts.10:57 The design includes a wooden top lip to serve as a handhold and a splash guard.6:24 The builder plans to install 3/8-inch acrylic for front windows and 1/4-inch acrylic for side windows, sealed with silicone.11:09 While a hard dodger increases windage and lacks the foldability of canvas versions, it provides a rigid, secure handhold and superior protection against wind and waves during offshore passages.11:51 The structure is designed to be removable by unbolting the four attachment points if increased airflow is required in warmer climates.12:32

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