Cockpit and Exterior

Composite Aft Hard Dodger

The original dodger was a large and heavy metal bracket and beam to support a canvas soft cover bimini. By constructing a hard top to replace this, it has doubled our living space and allowed us easier access to the mainsail for refining etc. It has also opened up options for solar panel placement. We used carbon/nomex panels from the deck of the Swedish America’s Cup challenger “Victory Challenge”. It was the bow sections of the yacht and we even managed to salvage the sliding hatch cover where they launched the spinnakers from. The hatch means that we still have the ability to observe the mainsail and trim accordingly from the comfort of our cockpit.

We run carbon fibre C-tech battens into the dodger to run the electrical lines for the lighting we intend to install https://youtu.be/QadeLsFGCzg

Materials
  • Deck pieces from 2007 Swedish America’s cup yacht “Victory Challenge”
  • Carbon fibre hi-tech battens
  • Spreaders from Mini Maxi 72 yacht
  • Jumper spreaders from 2007 America’s Cup boats
  • Sparbond 345
  • Ampreg 28
  • Resin system Proset Lam 125
the hatch in centre piece
gluing all the pieces together
nomex pieces with carbon batten inserted

Sealing the Windows

Always a challenging job to find a good strong adhesive with UV stable properties. Our windows are quite challenging due to the curved shape and their size. They were originally built and held in place using screws however it does make them look quite agricultural and it our opinion make the boat look less sleek. We have been extremely happy with this Fischer MS Nautical and would totally recommend it’s use.

Materials