Osprey 200 Amish-Built Dodger

[daniel123]

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?

[seabob4]

This should give the buggy drivers a good idea...https://www.google.com/search?q=Bow+dod ... 95&bih=598

[daniel123]

I guess so! Thanks, SeaBob!

[daniel123]

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...




 

[wingtime]

That is a really good deal.  No phones? do they have electricity?  I hope those are not treadle powered sewing machines! 

[daniel123]

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!

[daniel123]

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) 

[Capt. Bob]

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.

[daniel123]

What's a gam?

[love2fish]

her feet. haha

[Capt. Bob]

Her legs actually.

[daniel123]

Leave it to SeaBob to provide the definitive answer on grandma anatomy.

[Capt. Bob]

Leave it to SeaBob to provide the definitive answer on grandma anatomy.

Just trying to be helpful. No need to insult me.

[daniel123]

On the contrary. That was offered as praise!

[RickK]

'cept he's not SeaBob, he's Capt. Bob.