Tidbit: New Dodger and Bimini with Hard Tops [Updated Mar-2024]

This is one of a series of brief, no nonsense posts that we call aTidbit: 

noun; small and [possibly] particularly interesting item of gossip or information...

The purpose is to share succinct posts about lessons learned, or things we use or do that work [or don't...] that are common to most of us boaters. 

The goal is to garner feedback from those of you having first-hand experience with a different approach/ solution/ product/ or additional useful information to share...  

We never assume what we are sharing is the ideal or only; it just seems to best suit our needs [and/or habits and/or budget] from our experiences thus far...

Note: The original blog post [below] has been inducted into Tidbits since it qualifies, but was published 3 years before we initiated the Tidbit series...

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We've been researching DIY options for replacing our 'canvas' dodger and bimini with hard tops using the existing 1" stainless steel frames, and adding a rigid windshield to the dodger. 

Sounds like a great spring project, doesn't it?

Following are the current finalists in my order of preference by method, then approach. 

————————

Using Starboard:

• Rodger Dodger

Using prefab FRP [Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic] Panels:

• DIY Hard Dodger
• DIY Hardtop Dodger
• Homemade Hardtop [PDF of article]

Using polycarbonate [e.g., Lexan] sheets:

• Hard Dodger made with lexan sheets [polycarbonate] for top, windshield, and sides
• From Cruising World Dec-2011; p54-55
• From 48 North
• Translucent Polycarbonate [Lexan] reinforced panels [Hard to Top]
• 
  

Fabrication from scratch:

• Carbon Fiber
• How to build a hard dodger in only 14 days
• New Hard Bimini
• Build a form for molding the top [SV Jackaranda]
• Build form for molding foam cored top [SV Ocelot; lots of excellent construction details]
• Foam core fiberglass dodger [Video by Free Range Sailing]
• Foam core painted epoxy [From the wonderful Epoxyworks.com site]

Third Party Manufacturers: [A sampling; not a comprehensive list.]

• Fiberglass  [Tartooga]
• Translucent Polycarbonate [Lexan] reinforced panels [Hard to Top]

Related Resources:

• Excellent forum discussion with lots of examples and photos
• Excellent requirements list for soft dodger/bimini
• An inspirational photo album [Unfortunately this link is broken as of Jan-2020; We will remove in future if not fixed...]

Materials Research:

• Top:
• HDU [High Density Urethane] board instead of Starboard or as core with FRP skins
• Starboard
• FRP Skins [glued back-to-back either with or without foam core]
• Opaque polycarbonate sheet 
• See above article Hard Dodger made with lexan sheets from Cruising World
• Windshield:
• EZ2CY 
• Makrolon [Our choice]
• Polycarbonate [e.g., Lexan]
• See above article Hard Dodger made with lexan sheets from Cruising World
• Glass
• Motion Windows
• Ertec 
• SeaGlaze

I'll keep adding to this list as I find viable resources in an effort to narrow our focus, and as a source of ideas for a possible hybrid approach. [...And as a rational for procrastinating...]

1/2" Starboard formed to match existing dodger frame.
(Photo from Roger Dodger article linked above...)