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Author Topic:   Dodger for Dauntless 16

skred posted 03-22-2004 03:35 PM ET (US)
Anyone have one, or plan to acquire one? I know Mills probably supplies them, but after skirting insolvency by buying the boat, I need something a little less pricey if possible...
I am also considering looking at a few examples, and fabricating my own frame, and having the local Sunbrella shop cover it...
Ideas welcome...
Buckda posted 03-22-2004 04:22 PM ET (US)
Skred -
Mills does not supply one either.
I'm having one made for my 15 - I'll let you know how it turns out..you might want to throw that shop some business.
Dave
Marlin posted 03-22-2004 09:07 PM ET (US)
skred,
I'm working on the same thing, you can see part of my saga in the repairs forum under http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/005554.html . I've got all the basic plans worked out, but after working with my local canvas shop for a couple weeks, I got a $5500 quote for a dodger and full curtains, which I thought was absurd.
I'm in the process of refining the plans a little bit, then I'll talk to another shop over in Annapolis. If you're interested in the plans, I could convert them to softcopy for you and email them.
-Bob
Buckda posted 03-22-2004 09:36 PM ET (US)
Skred -
I'll also try to get you a more localized cost (Midwest vs. East Coast). We should be able to shave some $$ off that estimate just on labor costs out here.
You should call Twin Cities and see who they recommend for custom canvas - they may have someone much closer to you than what I will find.
Dave
skred posted 03-24-2004 05:26 PM ET (US)
Many thanks for all the replies. In West Bend, WI where I lived for 25+ years prior to becoming a "city boy", there is a small shop called "Ace Canvas" (catchy, eh?) situated conveniently next to one of the two boat dealers in town. The other dealer is 1 mile down the road. They do an excellent job with both boat canvas, and boat and auto upholstery. I've seen their replacement Whaler cushions, and they're indistinguishable from the original. Example: Seat cushion for 15 Whaler $90.00, Seat back cushion for same: $75.00. Hall's price was over $400 for the pair. I'm going to stop there and see if they have any layouts/plans for such a shelter. If so, I'll try to get copies to pass along. If not, I'm working up a frame pattern, and when it's done - I'll try to get a quote from these folks. They're big into Sunbrella fabrics, I know. Who knows? Maybe I can uncover an economical alternative source for Whaler canvas/cushioning...
Marlin posted 03-24-2004 09:58 PM ET (US)
skred, let me know what you find out with your shop. I'm emailing you my diagrams for the forward shelter bows, just in case it comes in handy.
-Bob
Marlin posted 05-12-2004 09:43 PM ET (US)
I hesitate to dredge up a 2-month-old post, but what the heck...
I've pursued the Dauntless 160 dodger/shelter and curtains with a few mid-Atlantic shops. At this point I have an estimate of $5500, an estimate of $3000, and a "not interested".
I'm calling it quits at this point. Skred and Buckda, if you find success, let me know.
-Bob
skred posted 05-13-2004 08:06 AM ET (US)
Marlin: I don't blame you after that experience. I finally got my shakedown cruise in last Sunday. Now, I'm going to stop at a canvas shop I know and ask them for an estimate. I got that set of tubing plans from this site, and I may just do the bending and sizing myself, and then get a quote on just canvas. After Sunday's outing (thunderstorm about 3 minutes underway), my kids were really cold and would've welcomed a forward shelter of any kind.
I had a somewhat harebrained idea to buy some PVC water pipe material, and mock up a framework, and adjust/modify the pieces till I got what I wanted, and have an estimate for canvas made on that basis. If it turned out to be way too costly (like yours), all I would've spent would be maybe 10 or 15 bucks for some PVC...
Buckda posted 05-13-2004 01:25 PM ET (US)
My canvas guy is finishing the canvas today and tomorrow for mine.
Because of my limited budget being pulled in many directions, including lining Mayor Daley's pocket, we agreed to do mine in two stages, so the first is the forward shelter, complete with a window in the front and an aft curtain in the back that will cover the rear thwart of my 15' Sport.
We're using SS bows, and there are a total of 4 (bows). Total cost for project will be "somewhere between $700 and $800, but hopefully less". After additional discussions with him, it looks like we're going to land in the high $600's. Pretty expensive "tent", but Mills no longer makes the orginal shelter.
Anyway...if you're interested - I can e-mail pics of the framework I took last saturday, and will have the completed project this weekend.
Dave
skred posted 05-13-2004 02:13 PM ET (US)
Dave, That would be great if you could e-mail some photos. I need all the hints I can accumulate. I'm also going "outside the box" a bit: I'm wondering if I could come up with a design similar to the dome tents of today. Primarily, the ability to collapse into a very small package is very attractive.
Buckda posted 05-13-2004 09:48 PM ET (US)
Skred -
Am working on getting photos rez'd down so they don't overwhelm your inbox.
In the meantime, and speaking of your "dome tent" idea; check this out (something I considered, but later discarded because of the purist that I am).
http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/XJ&sdn=4wheeldrive&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.napierenterprises.com%2Fchoose_tent.php
Dave
skred posted 05-14-2004 08:01 AM ET (US)
Dave, thanks again for the extra effort. Gotta say, that line of sportz tents could be a solution. However, like you, I'm probably too much of a purist to consider it. Like a VW hood ornament on a Mercedes....
holmestk posted 05-14-2004 10:23 PM ET (US)
Sorry guys, just read this post. Here is my setup:
http://home.comcast.net/~tkholmes/106-0601_IMG.JPG
I had to make it a little tall since my wife likes to sit up front, vs some of the dodgers that are meant to lay under or stow gear. $2500 at the local shop in seattle, with stainless bows, a canvas drop in the back (not shown), and installation. Send me a line if you have more questions.
ocuyler posted 05-14-2004 11:09 PM ET (US)
holmestk,
Nice set-up. You said you made it a little tall so your wife could sit up front. Do you mean on the cooler or on the front cushion? How high is the dodger from the floor by the cooler? What is the height of the bimini? Finally, where does the rear drop curtain fall? Infront of the rear seats?
Thanks,
Otto
holmestk posted 05-15-2004 12:43 AM ET (US)
She can sit in front of the cooler, on the little seat in the bow and just have the canvas above her head. We rarely use the whole thing, mostly just the dodger with the other pieces stowed. The bimini is just above my head 6'4", the drop in back snaps outside the seats and around the motor well in front of the motor. It works well for camping but lacks a window in back for running. Measurements cant happen for a week or two, the rig is stowed in the back of the garage until Memorial day.
davej14 posted 05-15-2004 10:00 AM ET (US)
holmestk,
Great looking setup, the picture really shows what is possible.
I notice you fasten your anchor to the bow rail. what do you use for attachment and how does that work out. Looks like another good idea. Better than letting it bounce around in the forward locker on the gel coat.
ocuyler posted 05-15-2004 10:27 AM ET (US)
Holmestk,
Thanks for the reply. You answered all my questions. No need for measurements. Enjoy it and thanks for sharing the images.
Regards,
Marlin posted 05-15-2004 11:14 AM ET (US)
holmestk,
Well, there's exactly what I want! It looks great, nice work. How is the base of the shelter attached to the hull? The rest of it seems pretty straightforward, and matches pretty closely to the diagrams I made to show the canvas guys I was working with.
-Bob
holmestk posted 05-16-2004 06:35 PM ET (US)
The base of the dodger has two flaps: one that snaps to the top of the bow, and another that snaps on the inside (vertical). The dauntless lacks the nice raised edge to help keep small splashes out, but this does ok.

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Author	Topic: Dodger for Dauntless 16
skred	posted 03-22-2004 03:35 PM ET (US) Anyone have one, or plan to acquire one? I know Mills probably supplies them, but after skirting insolvency by buying the boat, I need something a little less pricey if possible... I am also considering looking at a few examples, and fabricating my own frame, and having the local Sunbrella shop cover it... Ideas welcome...
Buckda	posted 03-22-2004 04:22 PM ET (US) Skred - Mills does not supply one either. I'm having one made for my 15 - I'll let you know how it turns out..you might want to throw that shop some business. Dave
Marlin	posted 03-22-2004 09:07 PM ET (US) skred, I'm working on the same thing, you can see part of my saga in the repairs forum under http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/005554.html . I've got all the basic plans worked out, but after working with my local canvas shop for a couple weeks, I got a $5500 quote for a dodger and full curtains, which I thought was absurd. I'm in the process of refining the plans a little bit, then I'll talk to another shop over in Annapolis. If you're interested in the plans, I could convert them to softcopy for you and email them. -Bob
Buckda	posted 03-22-2004 09:36 PM ET (US) Skred - I'll also try to get you a more localized cost (Midwest vs. East Coast). We should be able to shave some $$ off that estimate just on labor costs out here. You should call Twin Cities and see who they recommend for custom canvas - they may have someone much closer to you than what I will find. Dave
skred	posted 03-24-2004 05:26 PM ET (US) Many thanks for all the replies. In West Bend, WI where I lived for 25+ years prior to becoming a "city boy", there is a small shop called "Ace Canvas" (catchy, eh?) situated conveniently next to one of the two boat dealers in town. The other dealer is 1 mile down the road. They do an excellent job with both boat canvas, and boat and auto upholstery. I've seen their replacement Whaler cushions, and they're indistinguishable from the original. Example: Seat cushion for 15 Whaler $90.00, Seat back cushion for same: $75.00. Hall's price was over $400 for the pair. I'm going to stop there and see if they have any layouts/plans for such a shelter. If so, I'll try to get copies to pass along. If not, I'm working up a frame pattern, and when it's done - I'll try to get a quote from these folks. They're big into Sunbrella fabrics, I know. Who knows? Maybe I can uncover an economical alternative source for Whaler canvas/cushioning...
Marlin	posted 03-24-2004 09:58 PM ET (US) skred, let me know what you find out with your shop. I'm emailing you my diagrams for the forward shelter bows, just in case it comes in handy. -Bob
Marlin	posted 05-12-2004 09:43 PM ET (US) I hesitate to dredge up a 2-month-old post, but what the heck... I've pursued the Dauntless 160 dodger/shelter and curtains with a few mid-Atlantic shops. At this point I have an estimate of $5500, an estimate of $3000, and a "not interested". I'm calling it quits at this point. Skred and Buckda, if you find success, let me know. -Bob
skred	posted 05-13-2004 08:06 AM ET (US) Marlin: I don't blame you after that experience. I finally got my shakedown cruise in last Sunday. Now, I'm going to stop at a canvas shop I know and ask them for an estimate. I got that set of tubing plans from this site, and I may just do the bending and sizing myself, and then get a quote on just canvas. After Sunday's outing (thunderstorm about 3 minutes underway), my kids were really cold and would've welcomed a forward shelter of any kind. I had a somewhat harebrained idea to buy some PVC water pipe material, and mock up a framework, and adjust/modify the pieces till I got what I wanted, and have an estimate for canvas made on that basis. If it turned out to be way too costly (like yours), all I would've spent would be maybe 10 or 15 bucks for some PVC...
Buckda	posted 05-13-2004 01:25 PM ET (US) My canvas guy is finishing the canvas today and tomorrow for mine. Because of my limited budget being pulled in many directions, including lining Mayor Daley's pocket, we agreed to do mine in two stages, so the first is the forward shelter, complete with a window in the front and an aft curtain in the back that will cover the rear thwart of my 15' Sport. We're using SS bows, and there are a total of 4 (bows). Total cost for project will be "somewhere between $700 and $800, but hopefully less". After additional discussions with him, it looks like we're going to land in the high $600's. Pretty expensive "tent", but Mills no longer makes the orginal shelter. Anyway...if you're interested - I can e-mail pics of the framework I took last saturday, and will have the completed project this weekend. Dave
skred	posted 05-13-2004 02:13 PM ET (US) Dave, That would be great if you could e-mail some photos. I need all the hints I can accumulate. I'm also going "outside the box" a bit: I'm wondering if I could come up with a design similar to the dome tents of today. Primarily, the ability to collapse into a very small package is very attractive.
Buckda	posted 05-13-2004 09:48 PM ET (US) Skred - Am working on getting photos rez'd down so they don't overwhelm your inbox. In the meantime, and speaking of your "dome tent" idea; check this out (something I considered, but later discarded because of the purist that I am). http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/XJ&sdn=4wheeldrive&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.napierenterprises.com%2Fchoose_tent.php Dave
skred	posted 05-14-2004 08:01 AM ET (US) Dave, thanks again for the extra effort. Gotta say, that line of sportz tents could be a solution. However, like you, I'm probably too much of a purist to consider it. Like a VW hood ornament on a Mercedes....
holmestk	posted 05-14-2004 10:23 PM ET (US) Sorry guys, just read this post. Here is my setup: http://home.comcast.net/~tkholmes/106-0601_IMG.JPG I had to make it a little tall since my wife likes to sit up front, vs some of the dodgers that are meant to lay under or stow gear. $2500 at the local shop in seattle, with stainless bows, a canvas drop in the back (not shown), and installation. Send me a line if you have more questions.
ocuyler	posted 05-14-2004 11:09 PM ET (US) holmestk, Nice set-up. You said you made it a little tall so your wife could sit up front. Do you mean on the cooler or on the front cushion? How high is the dodger from the floor by the cooler? What is the height of the bimini? Finally, where does the rear drop curtain fall? Infront of the rear seats? Thanks, Otto
holmestk	posted 05-15-2004 12:43 AM ET (US) She can sit in front of the cooler, on the little seat in the bow and just have the canvas above her head. We rarely use the whole thing, mostly just the dodger with the other pieces stowed. The bimini is just above my head 6'4", the drop in back snaps outside the seats and around the motor well in front of the motor. It works well for camping but lacks a window in back for running. Measurements cant happen for a week or two, the rig is stowed in the back of the garage until Memorial day.
davej14	posted 05-15-2004 10:00 AM ET (US) holmestk, Great looking setup, the picture really shows what is possible. I notice you fasten your anchor to the bow rail. what do you use for attachment and how does that work out. Looks like another good idea. Better than letting it bounce around in the forward locker on the gel coat.
ocuyler	posted 05-15-2004 10:27 AM ET (US) Holmestk, Thanks for the reply. You answered all my questions. No need for measurements. Enjoy it and thanks for sharing the images. Regards,
Marlin	posted 05-15-2004 11:14 AM ET (US) holmestk, Well, there's exactly what I want! It looks great, nice work. How is the base of the shelter attached to the hull? The rest of it seems pretty straightforward, and matches pretty closely to the diagrams I made to show the canvas guys I was working with. -Bob
holmestk	posted 05-16-2004 06:35 PM ET (US) The base of the dodger has two flaps: one that snaps to the top of the bow, and another that snaps on the inside (vertical). The dauntless lacks the nice raised edge to help keep small splashes out, but this does ok.