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After cruising for a couple of years (AND wearing out our 'dodgimini'), we've decided that a drier, warmer, cooler, more comfortable cockpit is in order. So, the canvas top will be replaced with a hard-top. We've decided to use a foam/glass construction to save weight, but will use the expanse to carry more solar panels, lights and antennas. We started with a female mould, onto which we laminated a layer of triaxial glass and carbon. A large central hatch can be removed to allow for engine removal. |
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Onto the inside skin we vacuumed a layer of 25mm foam. This was cut around the cabling conduits and timber blocking for lights and speakers.... |
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The top lamination of matching triaxial glass and carbon was vacuumed over the foam.... |
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The top removed from the mould. Mullions and rails for the glass windscreen will be made out of solid box-section carbon and fibreglass. The timber blocking is for attachment of solar panels. |
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Dodger top underside. |
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Once the dodger top had been test-fitted to the boat and trimmed to size, the sides and window frames were constructed and attached. Note the carbon fibre beams that will stiffen up the stress points of the dodger. |
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There will be three opening windows in the windscreen of the dodger. These will open on custom carbon fibre hinges using carbon fibre tubes as hinge pins. |
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The completed dodger was fitted to the boat over the top of the original windscreen. Once the fairing had been completed, a final spray of paint has finished the job. Note the cast bronze rubbing strips on the aft edge of the sides for the main sheet and the opening for the genoa sheets. |
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Finally! |