I'm about to replace my dodger. Unfortunately, the original MK II's, like my '94, placed the halyard rope clutches so far forward the levers push against the dodger window when releasing.
Suggestions?!?
One early thought, I understand the backing plate for the clutches is laminated on the back of the special raised section of the cabin top. This would allow for removing the clutches, securing a right-sized metal plate on top with flush mounting bolts using existing threaded holes of the underneath backing plate. Then remounting the clutches onto these plates, locating about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch aft of present positions.
Alternate two: last Friday (Sep 17), Catalina's original designer, Jerry Douglas suggested replacing the original clutches with backward-releasing units. Believe these are available from Lewmar. However, these would cost a bit and might require several additional drilled and tapped holes in the present backing plate.
Looking forward to hearing from anyone soon!
-- Jon
Jon
My dodger has 2 zippers on each side. One unzips the center section window so it can be folded back, and also allows the traveler line to be pulled upward to free it from the cam clutch. The second zipper is about 5-6" inches toward the center of the window, maybe 6-8" high. When both are unzipped, there is a loose flap, allowing the forward opening levers (Garhauer) to be operated without interfering with the dodger window. The dodger was contracted out by the dealer prior to delivering the boat, not sure who made it. But that solution works well for us.
Sorry, don't have any pictures on hand.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
is it possible to align your zipper so it is directly in front of the clutches? I have the same interence problem, however I gain enough slack in the dodger by pulling the vertical zipper up about half way to work the clutch without interference.
Ken and Vicki Juul
SV Luna Loca
C34 #1090
Chesapeake Bay