Robert,

Our boat came with a full enclosure when we purchased it; however, it was teal green. So, we wanted to replace it in captain navy. We had estimates all over the board. I distinctly remember one estimate to be over $6K. We were flabbergasted. So, we decided to only have a dodger and bimini made and we added a connector panel ourselves. Our total cost was about $1200, which, as it turned out to be a pretty good deal.

We did a complete replacement, including side windows. None in the stern as there is just too much stuff back there. Our first 2 estimates, including mainsail cover, were $3500 to $4000, without the side windows. We got a third bid for $2500, with side windows. All bids included stratoglass for the dodger. The side windows, because of the shape of the cockpit and the lifelines were too difficult for the first 2 bidders. The individual that did them did not hesitate and was very creative in his design. We've had our boat 10 years, without the side windows. You will love them.

David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Punta Gorda, FL

Hi

On my side I am only missing the side panels, but I lack the imagination to do them myself :(
Would you happen to have close up pictures?
I would also be interested on seeing how it looks

regards
Andres

There's always this: [url]http://www.sailrite.com/Make-Your-Own-Full-Boat-Enclosure-DVD[/url]

I'm attaching several pictures of our side windows. You'll note that the back window drops down on the outside of the lifelines. The front piece is on the inside of the lifelines. The top halves zipper together while the bottom halves are held together by velcro and take into account the lifeline. For your information, we do not have a high dodger, which should not make any difference.

David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Punta Gorda, FL

thanks Stu for the link, I'll run it by the admiral, but I dont see it hapenning....

David
thanks for the pics, I am printing them out so I can show it to the locals,

regards

Greetings all,
Two years ago I decided to redo my 13 year old dodger. Like many projects it grew in size and complexity until it became a full canvas enclosure. It was custom designed and fabricated. Expensive and worth every penny.
Last year my wife and I cruised buzzards bay out to Martha's Vineyard and back to Greenport NY. Bad weather rolled off us. At anchor on a cold evening we could easily entertain guests. On a snotty day we motored from Cuttyhunk to Menemsha in comfort. The enclosure adds 2 months to our season. I would recommend it if you are lucky enough to get the extra time on your boat.
Mike

Does that include all new stainless, dodger and bimini? If so, that is a good deal. Still good if using in place stainless. I have a hard time picturing the back curtain and the jump seat and motor mount. We elected to not do a back curtain because we are in Florida and cold temps are not a real issue. With our side curtains, we can remain dry and, when on the hook, out of the wind.

Robert,
I believe that sounds like a good price either way. I have almost twice that in a dodger made locally. I hope you share some pictures when complete along with the contact information. Might ask your fabricator if he can work from a previous pattern. May be worth storing the boat in VA for the winter. Even better if one can ship to him and he can duplicate.

Every canvas installation is a custom product. The cost of the pattern is negligible in the total cost - it's the window vinyl and labour that are the big expenses here...
Don't know what the average costs are in your area, but if he is using quality materials (Strataglass, leather chafe protection, etc.) and has a portfolio that shows previous excellent work then it's not totally unreasonable. Generally in canvas work you get what you pay for...

[QUOTE=HowLin;18051]Every canvas installation is a custom product. The cost of the pattern is negligible in the total cost - it's the window vinyl and labour that are the big expenses here...
Don't know what the average costs are in your area, but if he is using quality materials (Strataglass, leather chafe protection, etc.) and has a portfolio that shows previous excellent work then it's not totally unreasonable. Generally in canvas work you get what you pay for...[/QUOTE]

Costs in this area are high and there is only one skilled company to supply. I'm thinking of using Island Nautical, formerly known as JSI and the OEM manufacturer for Catalina as well as a few other companies. If they do large production and then have the original pattern from my boat (2004) it would seem that it should fit OK.

Anybody had experience with a reproduction OEM?

[QUOTE=SailorJackson;21218]Costs in this area are high and there is only one skilled company to supply. I'm thinking of using Island Nautical, formerly known as JSI and the OEM manufacturer for Catalina as well as a few other companies. If they do large production and then have the original pattern from my boat (2004) it would seem that it should fit OK.

Anybody had experience with a reproduction OEM?[/QUOTE]

One of the "little discussed" issues with dodgers is the height. Here are some comments. Two pages plus links to more pictures.

[url]http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7161.15.html[/url]

You REALLY have to think this out. As mentioned in the link, I think looking through plastic all day is a wasted day on the boat! :D:D:D