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Island Dodger?
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=33958		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  TJ [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 7:18 am ]
Post subject:  Island Dodger?
Anybody tried one of these on the AI? How well do they deflect spray? I'm sure you would get some spray in the face, but it might be useful if it blocks those occasional bucket of water hits in the chest area.

Thanks, Ted
Author:  TIDALWAVE [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 8:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Island Dodger?
I have used my AI dodger for quite a while. It works quite well to keep
spray off of your legs and really makes a difference keeping the wind chill
away from your lower body. It does increase the windage on the AI if you
are on a beam reach. But combined with AI tramps, it is not a bad setup.
I found that I had to add a small nylon 'flap' on the front of the dodger where it encircles the mast. If the AI buries its nose, a wave of water would pour under
the front of the dodger unto my legs. The added flap deflects most of the wave to the sides.

There seems to be two types of AI dodgers. One dodger has a front which completely surrounds the mast with a small flap-covered opening which allows you to insert the mast into the dodger. This dodger deflects waves better than the newer version. My dodger, which I believe is a newer version, has two front 'wings' which are fitted forward on each side of the mast, so that you don't have to remove the mast to fit the dodger. The problem with this design is that the gap in front of the mast acts like a scoop which directs water hitting the mast right into the cockpit. Which is why I attached a 'flap' using Velcro which fits in front of the mast helping to deflect water to the sides.
Author:  TJ [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 11:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Island Dodger?
Nice review - thanks. That sounds like it might be worth the small investment. It doesn't get that cold down here, but a little drier ride would still be nice. Unfortunately, I won't be able to use my newly built GPS/camera mount installed in the starboard cup holder when the dodger is up, unless I can get away with leaving the back tie down on the starboard side unattached. I'll report back when I have both.

Ted
Author:  mickeymouse [ Sat Feb 12, 2011 2:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Island Dodger?
TIDALWAVE wrote:
I have used my AI dodger for quite a while. It works quite well to keep
spray off of your legs and really makes a difference keeping the wind chill
away from your lower body. It does increase the windage on the AI if you
are on a beam reach. But combined with AI tramps, it is not a bad setup.
I found that I had to add a small nylon 'flap' on the front of the dodger where it encircles the mast. If the AI buries its nose, a wave of water would pour under
the front of the dodger unto my legs. The added flap deflects most of the wave to the sides.

There seems to be two types of AI dodgers. One dodger has a front which completely surrounds the mast with a small flap-covered opening which allows you to insert the mast into the dodger. This dodger deflects waves better than the newer version. My dodger, which I believe is a newer version, has two front 'wings' which are fitted forward on each side of the mast, so that you don't have to remove the mast to fit the dodger. The problem with this design is that the gap in front of the mast acts like a scoop which directs water hitting the mast right into the cockpit. Which is why I attached a 'flap' using Velcro which fits in front of the mast helping to deflect water to the sides.

Good review Tidalwave. I have experienced the same issues but don't have your velcro flap mod. I might have to look into this further. Actually I have 2 mates who are making their own dodgers using mine as a template. Maybe they could incorporate your flap into the design - if it's not too late :roll:
Would a photo be a possibility :roll:
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