If flat out expense is a qualifier for the size of a project, this one is way up there on the list of Mabrouka upgrades. The amount of work I had to put into it is not suitable criteria because my effort was pretty much limited to watching and chiming in with questions and comments as I deemed appropriate.

For those of you who want to feel the full transformatory effect, you can see the old dodger in the photo I posted for the solar panel mounts project. Hopefully, the new dodger will make spending time on Mabrouka more tolerable than typified by Emmy in this photo. I'm counting on the greenhouse effect (I've heard these full enclosures referred to as "greenhouses" up here) to make life in the cockpit quite a bit warmer.

I've coveted Jason Iverson's dodgers for years, but couldn't afford his work until I gained access to my retirement funds. The Iverson web site is a destination all on its own, with some fun videos of them testing the dodgers and an informative series about a total upgrade they did on a 43' Hans Christian, the Galatea. I believe their operation has been focused, if not exclusively in the PNW, but Jason has built up enough business with his sterling reputation to open an office in California just recently. I think he will also admit to the attraction of a warmer, drier climate in this business decision.

As I said, my part in this project was mostly as an indecent bystander, but that was grueling work in itself. The Iverson crew, Kyle and Mike, showed up on my first day of retirement at 10am and, as far as I can tell, did not stop working until they left at about 9pm. After taking down the old dodger, they erected the frameworks for the new dodger and Bimini top, then they built a virtual dodger, including Bimini, connecting panel, and side panels out of translucent plastic, marking it all with cut marks and notes so it could be used as a template.


It normally takes 1-1/2 to 2 weeks for Iverson's Designs to fabricate a dodger like this, but with the inspiration of using my dock line cutting event as a coming out party, Jason agreed to ask the crew to try to turn the job around more quickly. They came through for me and fitted it 99% yesterday, with only one small custom detail to complete. Kyle did the install solo, another full day starting around 10 and working until after 8pm. Kyle, by the way, will be running Iverson's operation up here since Jason and his wife Angela have moved south.

So, here's the finished product:




I went with the new modular iTop dodger, using Sunbrella fabric, 1-1/4" tubing, removable window panels, and side and aft grab rails. The modular design, besides allowing removal of the window panels for ventilation and maintenance/repair, provides for an incredibly taut installation. Although the bimini windows are more typical clear plastic laminate, the dodger windows are heavy duty (60mil) polycarbonate. This thing feels bullet proof and the workmanship is immaculate. I am truly impressed not only with Iverson's product, but the dedication and professionalism of his people. These guys easily work 12 hour days and never once did I see them lose their senses of humor or show any frustration whatsoever.