Classic AquaSport
General Aquasport Forums => Aquasport Resources => Topic started by: daniel123 on December 22, 2014, 06:55:39 PM
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I want to install a dodger on my 200 Osprey and used ones, if they ever existed, are hard to come by. I have an Amish "tarp shop," as they are referred to, which is experienced in making good-quality Bimini's and other canvas for boats, primarily pontoons, nearby and willing to take on the job. Problem is, they just aren't sure what a dodger (let alone a center console boat...) actually looks like other than my photos. Does anyone have any resources, diagrams, measurements, etc. to suggest or share that I can provide them to assist in the design and construction of a functional dodger for that boat?
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This should give the buggy drivers a good idea...https://www.google.com/search?q=Bow+dod ... 95&bih=598 (https://www.google.com/search?q=Bow+dodger&num=30&newwindow=1&hl=en&gl=us&authuser=0&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=9LCYVL_jIMOagwShoYOICA&ved=0CEUQsAQ&biw=1295&bih=598)
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I guess so! Thanks, SeaBob!
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The 200 Osprey is currently with a local Amish "Shady Maple Tarp Shop" getting a custom dodger made, based on photos SeaBob provided. The shop is in the bottom of a barn off a narrow, two lane road in rural north-central Ohio's Amish Country. Owner Albert does lots of custom canvas for boats but it's his first attempt at a dodger, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with. He quoted me $750 and wouldn't accept a deposit. That includes stainless bows with quick-release mounts, aft drop curtains with a mid zipper so that I can enclose the boat area for camping or full wx protection for passengers/stuff on the bow, and a clear window panel at the front end that zips out for anchoring and a zip-in screen panel for insect-free ventilation. They are making a boot for it as well, all out of Sunbrella. For an extra $75 each, they are making custom covers for the helm console and leaning post. I left the boat last week outside the barn next to a bunch of buggies, and am due to pick it up next Friday. They have no phones so other than stopping by during the work week, I have no way to learn how it's going -- and they have no way to get in touch with me with any questions. I'll let you know the results...
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/DSC8068.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14009&title=amish-built-dodger-project&cat=500)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/DSC8070_4_.jpg) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14010&title=amish-dodger&cat=500)
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That is a really good deal. No phones? do they have electricity? I hope those are not treadle powered sewing machines!
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As someone in that business, I'm glad you think so. We'll see what kind of a deal it really is when I pick it up...
The only electric I ever see Amish use comes from portable generators, to keep them off the grid when they use power tools, and most won't even use that. This guy works in the barn pictured, heated by wood and come to think of it, I didn't see any electric lights or power machines at all, just a huge lofting table, a few pairs of shears and a bunch of barefoot little kids in straw hats and home-made coveralls. But I had stopped by a few times before to check out his work on other boats he had in the shop, and he was recommended by an Amish family who has done some excellent furniture upholstery work at good prices for us and family members.
All I know is that the small log cabin (250 sf) we had built buy an Amish outfit three years ago as a hunting/fishing retreat is a model of craftsmanship and everything I've had done/built by them has been well made and priced far below what I would have paid "English" (everyone non-Amish) for the same products/jobs. I'm hopeful that trend continues with his/my first dodger!
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PS: What's treadle-power? (These guys mow their lawns by bolting a half dozen push mowers together side-by-side and pulling the contraption behind a horse -- usually with a kid riding it barefoot and bareback)
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PS: What's treadle-power?
Foot power.
My grandma had a sewing machine just like the one pictured on the far left.
http://www.preparedness1.com/treadle-sewing-machines.html
Janome (Japanese sewing machine manufacturer) still makes them. The Mrs. loves her Janome but of course it's powered by electrons as opposed to her gams.
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What's a gam?
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her feet. haha
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Her legs actually.
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Leave it to SeaBob to provide the definitive answer on grandma anatomy.
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Leave it to SeaBob to provide the definitive answer on grandma anatomy.
Just trying to be helpful. No need to insult me. :mrgreen:
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On the contrary. That was offered as praise!
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'cept he's not SeaBob, he's Capt. Bob.
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Sorry for the mix-up -- appreciative of the advice!
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how did this turn out?
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Not sure yet. I go get it this week....will post photos and share my 'take' on it. Thanks for asking!
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:103:
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:iagree:
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Please post pics. Taking my 200 to Florida Boat Tops out of St. Petersburg in a few weeks for similar and curious how yours came out and if you would do anything different.
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you should send a PM to Wingtime, a member on here. Bruce has made several tops and covers for members who have all been very happy with the quality and attention to detail. plus it's good to help support members/contributors!
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I am really happy with the result, and am having the Amish guy add a screen window option to the backdrop curtain on the aft end of the dodger the same size as the forward access/window, which also had a zip-in screen, for insect-free ventilation. It drops forward and folds perfectly to stow around the contour of the bow inside of the bow rail, complete with zippered boot. It is high enough for me (6' tall) to sit upright inside and long enough to lay down and keep my feet inside. The zip-in aft curtain drops flush to the deck where it snaps taut to the inside walls and front of the seat/livewell on the forward end of the helm console to keep bugs/wx out. Here are pics.
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looks great!
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Indeed
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Thanks for saying so, Chris!
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Thanks for your sign-off on it too, Rick. I'm lucky to have these rural craftsmen in my back yard. That said, I'd rather have an ocean there...or at least a "great" lake!
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:laugh03:
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Wow they did a great job. Looks like one man bow with two sub bows. Comes further aft than usual. I like it..... hmm I wonder how one would look on the 170... :?:
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Looks great. I see we share a similar taste in T Tops.
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I really like it so far, and it does extend aft farther than some, but I left room enough to walk between it and the helm console so I can walk all the way around and get stuff out of the under-seat livewell when the dodger is deployed. They put the vent window in on the rear curtain and the dodger itself is long enough for me to stretch out underneath. Now I just need to find an inflatable mattress measuring two feet wide by 8 inches high by six feet long to fill in the slot between the elevated front deck and the forward side of the steering helm seat/livewell to create a portable platform long enough to support my feet while sleeping! Ideas welcome...
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I actually got that folding T-top for use in the Keys when I wanted to go from bay to oceanside via the old Oversea's Highway viaducts. To be honest, it can be a bit of a PITA to fold down. Do you have one as well?
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for your footrest- just a simple 1/4" sheet of plywood with some fold out legs (2x4 or PVC) that would give you the height. it could even have a hinge in the middle to fold in half so it could then fit under your lean post or between the ttop and your console.
think of just a really short card-table.
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Not a bad idea, Chris. I'll ponder that option!
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I think I just solved it. And for $20. Big Lots sells a twin size inflatable mattress that, when 3/4 inflated, fits in the space and because it's folded and wedged maintains enough air pressure to support legs and feet. What's more, they are a hunter green that matches the Sunbrella perfectly. I've got two: one to half inflate and tuck in the space and another to fully inflate and sleep on with the feet end over and supported by the semi-inflated one. When not using the mattresses for sleeping or playing slap-and-tickle with the wife, they deflate for easy storage.
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Good solution! And doubles as a sandbar float as well!
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Daniel,
I have the same folding T-TOP. Originally got it so that boat would fit under covered storage when pulled out of water with the added benefit that if a low bridge was encountered I would have no issue. Unfortunately didn't measure correctly and had to take the whole top off (no folding for me) for it to fit under carport. It was a PITA using wrench every time to remove/reinstall bolts.
I recently purchased the bolts attached to plastic knobs. Due to new additions to family haven't had a chance to try them out yet going under the some of the low bridges in the area. I will give them a shot this weekend.
Jon
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I have alway had the knobs, which help. Let me know how that works for you.
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My wife has been a physical therapist for 25 years….. and she had these 24 x 24 2 inch foam blue pads for Balance for her clients…. Those things fit perfectly between my consul and my leaning post… you talk about relief for your knees and feet.