Looking for some input from anybody who has made a dodger before.

G

GregL

Active member
The roll of 1000D cordura I picked up is 59" wide.

A few questions.

1) The top of my dodger bars are 50" edge to edge.
- I think it is better to make the top section out of a single piece of material instead of having a seam across the top. What do you think?

2) What do you think about these locations for seams.

- Black lined sections #2 & 3 can be one solid piece, with a few darts so it doesn't buckle.

- Blue lines are the seams for the separate pieces.

Do you think these seam positions are ok or will weaken the dodger?

Please ignore my terrible ms paint skills!

View attachment 20201003_151550.jpg
 
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I have made dodger before.
You are making a Bimini top.
Q 1 no seem would be better for chance of leaks at the seam.
Q2 the locations look good

one thing I do is double the material at wear points.

As for strength of a seam, if sewed with overlaps it is strong seam.
check out some of the sailrite videos on you tube to see the different seams.
 
Good morning, Greg~


I have no concrete thoughts re seam location. I put them wherever it makes sense with respect to fabric size and hardware needs.


I cannot see in the photos whether the "roof" of your dodger is flat or crowned. I would certainly make sure that it will shed water when at rest. For that reason, a longitudinal seam down the centerline might improve the stiffness by acting as a ridgebeam.



I do recommend Dura-Skrim to use as patterning stock. Although I have used just plain sheet plastic, the "scrim" maintains the dimensions without distortion.


View attachment H 75 Fastener locations.JPG



All the best,


SJS

 
Thank you for the great info!

I could only get 1000D Cordura in 59" width in my area, so I'll have to have some seams.

That is correct it is flat on the top but it slants back so I am hoping the water will run down towards the bow of the boat. I am thinking it would be best to have the seams on the sides and one solid piece from front to back. I will see if i can find that material you mentioned.

I will post pics when she's finished. Thanks again for the help!
 
I got the frame on that is it UGH! Been to busy!

Hoping to do some test sewing with 10lb Suffix (kind of like power pro line) this evening. I only have a standard sew machine so it may not work.

I got the material and Bimini poles from https://www.jtsoutdoorfabrics.com/

I wanted to bend conduit but I didn't want to mess around finding the bimini hardware to fit, so I just bought a kit from the same store.

This kind of stuff is a pain to find in Ontario!

If you need some material, I can sell you some, I bought way to much!

It is 1000D Cordura in army green.
 
I would check the web for bonded polyester in size 69 for a home machine.
It can be bought is 2 oz , 4oz, 8oz 1lb.
Keep in mind sewing machines job is to make a knot every stitch. Not sure if spectra is any good for tying sewing knots.
 
This is not going well HAHA!

I have some test stiches with the 10lb suffix and it sucked me into thinking it was going to work. It works for a short while then fails on the machine I borrowed since we don't own a sewing machine.

I am using a #18 needle and tried with normal thread just to see if it is the machine or tread. It does go through 4 layers or 2 layers and web strapping but it up eventually.

I think part of the problem is this is a table top machine not a flush mount, so it's very tricky to feed the material smoothly OR I am just not coordinated enough to do it LOL!

I need to come up with another plan, I am having a hell of a time sourcing v-69 thread from a place I don't need to take time off to pick up.

I may just take it to a shop, I have the frame built , the material just need somebody to pattern and sew it UGH! LOL!
 
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