Business Name: Aussie Boat Covers
Project Title: 505 Hanse Spray Dodger
Location: Sandringham Yacht Club, Sandringham VIC
Name Of Fabric: Sunbrella Plus, Sea Flex, SLock Zips Supplier: NolanUDA, HVG Fabrics, Paskal
Project Description: The dodger frame is 32mm stainless steel tube with cast stainless steel fittings, deck mounts and Witchard tie downs. It is a three bow construction and all top caps and jaw slides have double lock securing screws.
At the mounting point the dodger is 3 metres wide, stands 1100mm and is 2 metres bow to stern. Vertical plastic rope track is glued and screwed to the cabin top and waterproof SLock zips are sewn to the Keder insert as the front securing point. Coated acrylic canvas is the main structure with 1mm polished tinted clear inserted windows. The cover is secured to the deck and frame with zips and the rear quarters have webbings pull down to pop up saddles.
What is the purpose of this project? Companionway and front side cockpit protection is the main purpose of any dodger and this dodger had to be custom rolled to allow the collapsed frame to nest neatly on the cabin top.
The client requested all of the above with the ability to be removed and refitted quickly. As mentioned earlier this dodger is held by 4 zips and 2 aft webbing strap and that achieved his first priority. Vision was a major concern for the client so we have uninterrupted front clear, except for role down zip window, and side windows which covered that base. Water tight from on coming seaway was super important, by using waterproof zips on the cabin top and the front window ticked that box. And lastly rigidity under all extremes of weather and crew movement. We achieved that by using dual locking crews on the componentry and fitted hand holds in the rear pocket which allowed the crew safe transition for and aft.
What is unique or complex about this project? The first challenge was rolling the 32mm tube to the same design as the cabin top then transitioning the frame shape into an appealing functional strong dodger. Sourcing the most unobtrusive tie down for the rear quarters then positioning correctly so not to foul any deck ropes.
Was there anything different or special about this project? The only difference was the fittings themselves. Dual screw top caps and jaws slides and flush pop up deck tie downs all work extremely well and didn't hurt the budget too much.
What were the results of the project? An aesthetically appealing spray dodger that is structurally sound, water tight, easy to remove and refit using the best of the best fabrics and fittings.
And an extremely happy client who has referred business to us since his project was completed.
How did you contribute to the project: The project was totally designed, manufactured and installed by us.
Using up to date fittings, fabrics and components, such as dual screw fittings, waterproof zips through very complex shapes, state of the art tinted green clear and pop up tie downs that are top quality.
Not to mention rolling 32mm stainless tube to the cabin top dimensions that allows clean unbroken lines of the boat manufacturer.
Other relevant information: No
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