Mustique, Sausalito's Catalina 320, with a new dodger
Sailing on the San Francisco Bay is a study in contrasts: brilliant sunshine one moment, a strong gust and salty spray the next. For many sailors, the choice of sailing a boat with a dodger is key to managing these dynamic conditions. These partial canvas enclosures are a popular feature on many of our vessels, and choosing a boat that has one is a matter of personal preference. It is a completely subjective choice. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what they are, their benefits and drawbacks on the Bay, and which of our boats have them.
What is a Dodger?
A dodger is a semi-permanent canvas-and-frame structure that is mounted over the companionway of a sailboat. It provides a sheltered area that protects the crew from the elements.
Dodgers - Benefits & Challenges
The primary advantage of a dodger, particularly on the Bay, is its ability to shield you from the wind and sea spray. The cold, wet conditions that can make a long upwind beat challenging are significantly mitigated by a dodger, keeping you drier and more comfortable. It also offers a welcome break from the sun's glare, making it easier to see and navigate.
The main drawback of a dodger is that it can obstruct your view of the sails and the horizon, particularly when you're in the cockpit. If you are at the helm for an hour or more, you may find yourself stretching to see above the dodger, or ducking down to view through it. This is a trade-off that some sailors are willing to make for the added comfort and protection, while others prefer an unobstructed line of sight.
Dodgers come in various sizes. A partial dodger is a smaller version that primarily covers the companionway opening. A full dodger, found on many of our cruising vessels, extends further back into the cockpit, offering a more extensive area of protection.
A note to our charterers: The dodger frame and canvas are a permanent fixture of the boat and are not to be removed. Some dodgers have protective canvas covers over the isinglass (the clear "windows" of the dodger). These can be removed and properly stowed while sailing, but they must be put back on at the end of your charter to protect the isinglass from UV damage.
What about a Bimini?
A bimini is another type of canvas enclosure, but it is specifically designed to provide protection from the sun. It is a frame-and-canvas structure that extends over the helm station and often part of the cockpit, offering shade and shelter from UV rays. A bimini can be a valuable addition on a warm, sunny day, making it much more comfortable to spend long hours at the helm.
Our Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, Liberty, in Sausalito, is a great example of a boat with both a dodger and a bimini. This combination offers the best of both worlds: a protected area near the companionway and a shaded helm station.
Our Fleet's Vessels with Dodgers
Here are the vessels in our fleet with dodgers. We encourage you to check out their individual pages on our website for more details and photos.
Modern Sailing Fleet with Dodgers:
Silver Plus fleet:
Mustique (formerly Stray Cat), Catalina 320 (Sausalito)
Kokomo, Catalina 320 (Sausalito)
Gold fleet:
Andiamo, Catalina 36 (Sausalito)
D'uphoria, Dufour 36 (Berkeley)
Auriah, Beneteau Oceanis 37 (Sausalito)
Grey Goose, Beneteau Oceanis 37 (Berkeley)
Bora Bora, Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 (Sausalito) - Premier tier vessel
Platinum fleet:
Survivor, Beneteau Oceanis 38 (Sausalito)
Liberty, Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 (Sausalito) - Also has a bimini
Firefly, Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 (Sausalito) - Premier tier vessel
Ry Whitt, Jeanneau 409 (Sausalito)
Attitude Adjustment, Beneteau 41 (Sausalito)
Coho II, Spencer 1330 (Sausalito)
Moon Dance, Bavaria 42 (Berkeley)
Catamaran fleet:
Ho'Okele, Seawind 1160 (Sausalito)
Whether you prefer the fresh open air or a cozy spot out of the wind, our diverse fleet has the perfect boat for your next adventure.
