The basic dodger, connector and bimini leave something to be desired for passages. For normal sailing, I love this setup. But cruising, it tends to be wet going to windward in decent winds and especially if it rains. The spray and rain come in from the side.
I am thinking of simply creating some flaps off the dodger, connector and bimini that go down to the lifelines. Roller furling main, so I really have no need to go forward. Thinking these could be clear with canvas on the edge for zippers buttons and just roll it up when it's nice.
Curious to see what others have done.
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2000 C36 MKII 1825
Knot (sorry, you haven't posted your name),
I've done exactly what you described. I have a very old Kenmore sewing machine that does a decent job with heavier fabrics. I sewed zippers on the aft/side edges of the dodger, outer edges of the connector, and the forward/outer edges of the bimini. I used an old sail for fabric for the side panels, and once I had the correct dimensions for the side panels, I sewed large pieces of clear vinyl on the panels, and cut out the overlapping fabric to make windows. The aft lower corners are fastened to the base of the pushpit. Attaching them to the lifelines would let in too much spray. It doesn't look nearly as nice as a custom-built enclosure, but it keeps most rain and spray from the cockpit, and the cost was next-to-nothing. Sorry I don't have any pix, but when they are installed, they weather is pretty snotty. Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Thanks, that's pretty creative on the windowing!
Jim
2000 C36 MKII 1825