Tropical Awnings, Part 3

Here are some permanent awnings which work under way as well as at anchor.

dodger with collapsible Bimini awning

We’ll start with this nice looking dodger with a collapsible “Bimini” awning over the helm. Note the slot in the top to allow it past the back stay. One of the design issues with Bimini awnings is where they stow when not in use. In this case, the Bimini will be furled against the back stay.

hard dodger for tropical cruising

A nicely done hard dodger (check out the handrails) with an interesting approach to the helm awning, allowing it to pivot aft and be reefed and stowed against the framework holding the radar and solar panel.

hard dodger for tropics

Another hard dodger. Not quite as pretty as the last (it is really hard to make hard dodgers aesthetic) but it will protect the crew. Note the forward edge to the cockpit awning, with its window. This will keep rain out of the area under the awning.

dodger with removable curtains

This approach is going to be nice and warm in the tropics, unless you open things up. If you look closely you will see that the forward windows can be opened and the side curtains removed. So, there is sun/rain protection in the tropics and a nice warm “porch” in colder climates.

dodgers for cruising in the tropics

We’ll close with this photo, as there is a lot of good stuff going on here. The dodger windows have covers over them to protect them from UV and reduce heat load. There is a nice handrail let into the dodger edge (really good for going forward at sea). You can see the over the boom awning which is secured between main and mizzen cap shrouds and has some stiff fiberglass battens. There is an awning over the cockpit with side curtains rolled up along the edge of the cockpit awning.


Posted by Steve Dashew  (May 3, 2007)



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