BUILDING A HARD DODGER Pt 1 - SAILING FOLLOWTHEBOAT Ep 106

We've spent months trying to come up with a hard dodger design which is going to be practical for our passage to the PNW via Japan...
Building a hard dodger from scratch is no easy task, but finally crunch day arrived and we had to get started on our mini boat refit. So, after a few false starts, we began working on a template with our carpenters.
It needs to be sturdy and capable of withstanding some of the harsh weather we expect to encounter during the passage. The current set-up will not cut it because above all we need shelter from the sea, rain and wind to have at least a chance of remaining dry.
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[@followtheboat]

Have you ever designed and built a hard dodger? Tell us about your experience. *Everything we do is FREE!* If you feel like spreading a little love, become a *Followtheboat Mate!* It costs less than the price of a coffee... ☕ For a one-on-one conversation, join Patreon or buy us rum! Find out more on our blog: followtheboat.com/thanks/

[@rikvandok]

There is one excellent design on the Hans Christian Owners Association website! If I have time, i'll look it up, but try and have a look really awesome and my gut feeling is that you might like it! Good luck.

[@followtheboat]

Cheers! 👌

[@chiefvia4170]

When the credits roiled down the screen it was so satisfying to see my name. The reason I became a supporter is because you supply so much wonderful viewing and are a bright spot in my life. You feel like old friends. Thanks Chief

[@followtheboat]

Chief, it's a pleasure. Thank you so much for your support, it's appreciated. Peace and fair winds to you ✌️⛵

[@andreboudreau6474]

Now you have me on the edge of my seat! I realy enjoy seeing raw materials transformed into usefull items! There is just something sooo satisfying about it. Even more so when it involves a sailboat. ⛵️😀Can't wait to see the next vid. Take care.

[@followtheboat]

Our sentiments exactly, André. Watch this space!

[@johnmcfarland2055]

Wonderful that this place has such amazing craftsmen and they're available to you for this job. That warehouse where your picked up those supplies looked enormous. I'm really excited to see the finished product.

[@followtheboat]

Cheers, John. Yeah, that timber yard was massive and I suspect that's small compared to some of the yards in the Phuket area.

[@andersjohansson4576]

Would be nice to see you design a whole boat, what beauty it had become. Enjoyed the music please continue with it.

[@followtheboat]

Now you've got my imagination going! We would certainly have a few ideas... 👌 Liz

[@mwp1979]

So glad to see Admiral Millie was doing a good job supervising down below. As you say Liz "peace and fair winds" to you and Jamie. Cheers from Alabama.

[@followtheboat]

She's the Guv'nor! 👌👍🤣 Liz

[@davehill7484]

Looks like you guys are on your way with a beautiful hard top design and install ! Can’t wait to see the next video on the progress 👏👏⛵️⛵️⛵️⚓️⚓️⚓️👍

[@followtheboat]

Cheers, Dave!

[@alchik1]

How exciting! Can't wait to see the final result! I'm sure it will look great! Cheers!

[@followtheboat]

We can't either, Al! I wish I had your faith in us... 👌👍🤣 Liz

[@shauntoomey3299]

"We are putting the Band back together." It was like deja vue all over again. Seeing the refit crew was smileworthy.

[@followtheboat]

Haha! Brilliant! It's been lovely seeing the brothers again, they're a great team. 👌 Liz

[@jwrappuhn71]

Good vid ya'll.

[@sf100800]

Looks to be a good design to this point, the final result should be very interesting

[@followtheboat]

Yes, we can't wait to see what it will look like once all the canvas is on! 👌 Liz

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

It is always nice to re-hire good workers ! Looking forward to the rest of your hard dodger build !!

[@followtheboat]

We were so glad they were available, it made it so easy! 👌👍 Liz

[@edrussell7960]

Looks like it will be awesome. Best of luck on it. Peace and fair winds

[@followtheboat]

Hope so, thanks for the good wishes. 👌 Liz

[@normanboyes4983]

Just catching up (Sailing in Greece) and really interested in how this turns out. Nice to see your friends are so nearby to do this fabrication - always nice to have workers you can trust.👍

[@jsonnichsen]

I haven’t started mine yet. I’ll be hauling out soon to get started. I’m planning on a forward leaning fisher type style on my 40’ center cockpit. Should be an interesting project.

[@richardcooper38]

What a great teaser. You obviously have been studying the Hollywood movie trailers. I kept trying to look around the corner of my video screen to get a early view of the dodger. For some reason that just hasn't worked out for me. There's been a lot of great ideas coming out from the comments already. I've chartered several sailboats and none of them had dodgers. That certainly would of been nice to have. I'm looking forward in seeing the next video of this series. You two always put so much information into your videos to carry us all along your thought process. This has been another well done video. As usual, thanks for sharing your adventures with us. It has to be reassuring to know the workers ethics/quality before any of the work gets off the ground.

[@followtheboat]

Thank you for the kind comment, RC 👌 We can't show you any more because this is a far as we've got! More next week...

[@harrybloom9213]

Very interresting project! I cant wait to see how it turns out.

[@rincondelplata2000]

Very instructive video. Well done guys

[@simoncousin3241]

What some luck in getting the Tong/Tui duo there you all know each other sounds as if a few have left the yard and moved on to pastures new ,the marina does not look busy at all hope they get lots of work no doubt you will be a good advert

[@followtheboat]

It's true, Simon, the marina is not busy. It's such a shame, because Krabi Boat Lagoon has fast become one of our favourite marinas here. It's quiet, peaceful, excellent hard-standing and technical back-up. It's in the middle of mangroves so there's oodles of natural life, and it's only a 15 minute dinghy ride into the middle of Krabi town, which is a nice place. I hope we can help them out. 👌👍 Liz

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Sounds exciting and you have some great guys who you used before so all good. Andy UK

[@followtheboat]

It is exciting, you're right! Love having Ton and Tui back with us. 👌 Liz

[@windmill1965]

11:46 the boat on the left hand side has nice classical lines. It appears to need quite some work though. I applaud your approach of creating some mock-ups before making your final choice. Things look very different in reality then when you would've drawn them on paper or in a CAD program.

[@followtheboat]

Check out Bluewater Dreamin's comment below, he knows that beautiful boat very well! Yes, you need a full-sized template to know if it really will work (unless you're a professional designer!) 👌👍 Liz

[@marksonter7962]

Love it guys can’t wait to see the next one

[@followtheboat]

Cheers, Mark 👍

[@twoeagledrones]

Big job! You got this!

[@followtheboat]

I hope so, Daniel! 👌👍 Liz

[@dickarbot9283]

Funny. I currently struggling if I buy a spray hood or go hard dodger as well. Can't wait to see the final result, as you mentioned the designs are from ugly to awesome. The idea to make a "removable" hard dodger never occurred during my thought process until I saw that video. Great stuff.

[@followtheboat]

Hey Dick. It'll be semi-removable in the end. That is, we will be able to take it off if we need access to the engine but I suspect we'd need a crane to get it on and off!

[@ClarkKulper]

Jamie coming out of the gates rockin the soundtrack 😎

[@followtheboat]

👌👍 Liz

[@trevorward9680]

Fascinating episode guys, it's a little hard to imagine the thought process with the pipes and board. Have you guys thought of including a few sketches to include in the videos of the various iterations...Just a thought, enjoyed this one a lot.

[@followtheboat]

I do have a few sketches in my notebook. TBH they ended up like the first template you see in the video at the beginning.

[@WavedancerWesterlyfulmar]

Thanks for this. We’re planning to make a hard dodger for our fulmar. We have been let down multiple times by canvas sprayhood makers. Plan to put solar panels on it aswell

[@gregrothe2197]

That warehouse... 🤩😍 That is some seriously sexy selection. Those guys are great Craftsmen. Top tier.

[@buynsell365]

Great job guys. Looking good.

[@followtheboat]

Cheers! 👌👍 Liz

[@mobiltec]

They do really nice work for what they are being paid. Looking great. Wish I had those two here working on my trailers LOL...

[@followtheboat]

You never know, they might travel, Larry 😉

[@markgotham5372]

Love All Your Vids....This one is very interesting. Looks like a lot of initial sketches might have helped, but it is very apparent that you have what appears as simple people working on it, But, Infact are Very Skilled....!!!!!.....You might consider the Hard Dodger running from cabin to 2/3 back with Solar and possible a connecting Rear Section for winter areas so the back 1/3 could be removed for canvas in warmer climates...waiting to see the progress...oh ya, small Drip Rails under outside edges..?? S.F., Ca..... ;-)

[@followtheboat]

Yes, you've got it, that's exactly what we're planning. We're having rear panels made which we'll attach when we're at anchor in cold climates. True indeed, the workers here are highly-skilled. Ton and Tui have been in training since they were children at their father's knee! 👌 Liz

[@espenerlien8683]

I leave in Norway and a hard doger is much better. Makes my season 2 months longer:)

[@followtheboat]

That's what we're hoping too!

[@NotBob223]

I think it's going to look great Jamie and Liz... having done some fairly long passages under some less than ideal weather under a hard (at the front) and soft (at the back) dodger on Amel Super Maramu's, I can tell you that I'd go with hard (removable) like you are doing with the solar panels. The soft always leak and having to wear your full rain gear only to prevent the odd drip down your back doesn't seem right some how. I would though go to some effort to ensure that you can pop open the front windows to get some air through it. The Amel's have one opening window in front of the steering station and if I were doing my own design, I'd have them both open. More for sitting at anchor than sailing (although some wine corks under the flip up plexiglass panels does wonders to get a bit of air moving without bringing in the salt splashes) - especially when you are running downwind - you wouldn't think you'd need the air moving then but it makes a huge difference to the comfort. I've seen us take some pretty big waves on the panels while beating upwind and they don't leak at all. I think the secret is to have a decent rake on the front panels and have them flush fit into the dodger so that when they are shut, the plexiglass overlaps the f/g and they dog down from outside. I think you'll really notice a difference beating up wind with the hard dodger. I'm really excited to see how this progresses. It's obvious you have some fine craftsmen there in Krabbe..

[@followtheboat]

Hey Brent, thanks for the thoughts. Your idea of a steep rake and flush finished is what we're trying to achieve. Let's see how the canvas guy handles that!

[@fastbikejp]

love the DIY videos..

[@followtheboat]

Good to know you enjoy them. We love the whole process too.

[@Josef_R]

Wow, I was just talking about this with Sailing Atticus who are doing the same thing. I'll need a hardtop for mine when I buy in 2 years. No one else has done it and now both channels are.

[@followtheboat]

Oh cool! Didn't know this. We uhmmed and ahhed about whether to go hard top or just canvas, and decided that by combining the two we'd have the best of both worlds. When you buy, and if you're planning to cross oceans, I'd say a good cover is essential to shelter you from the storms and waves. Ours was inadequate for the Indian Ocean and we were wet for much of it. Not nice! 👌 Liz

[@susanking9733]

Definately not a dodgy dodger...haha...i had to say that...looking great....good to see the old refit crew.

[@followtheboat]

They're good lads, we love 'em, Susan 😁

[@chrisstephen4563]

Can’t wait to see the final product

[@followtheboat]

Neither can we, Chris! She won't look pretty, alas, but we hope she's functional with a few nice curves.

[@pnwesty7174]

I can see the attraction to the smooth looking dodger on the cat - but that would have been a bit strange compared to the lines of Esper. Did I miss - will there be a full canvas enclosure? Look forward to the finish!

[@followtheboat]

Yes, the front and sides will be canvas. The back will make it fully enclosed, but will only be used at anchor. The problem with finding the right look is that Esper is not designed to have a hard dodger, so we think whatever we do she will lose her pretty lines. But, hey, functionality over beauty has to win every time, no? 👌 Liz

[@frankrice5364]

Can not wait to see it finished

[@followtheboat]

Neither can we, Frank!

[@johnmoore6574]

Frank Rice I

[@mentonish]

A dodger one can remove, good thinking one step ahead

[@followtheboat]

Yeah, after replacing the engine, we realised it's pretty important to be able to remove it! 👌 Liz

[@dutchglobetrotter4513]

Nice video, it seems like you gathered some good craftsman to assist you on your refit.

[@followtheboat]

Yeah, these boys are good.

[@gasguzzler69]

as i was watching this i was wondering are they going to go with a removable hard dodger, you said it near the end. good call.

[@followtheboat]

Yes. It'll be fixed in place but removable if we need engine access.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

good edit guys! Impressive the amount of output you guys keep up with! cheers- Prism

[@followtheboat]

Thanks,guys! It's a lot of work, but we love doing it. 👌👍Liz

[@followtheboat]

Thanks,guys! It's a lot of work, but we love doing it. 👌👍Liz

[@samualwhittemore228]

Your vid just popped up, I clicked, I watched, I enjoyed, so I subscribed! ;))

[@followtheboat]

Wow, that's brilliant news! Welcome to followtheboat! 👌👍 Liz

[@cigarmann]

Although not chosen, the original design looked intriguing.

[@followtheboat]

I think it would have worked if the roof had been longer.

[@twc733]

Omg been waiting so long for another video... awesome👍

[@followtheboat]

Cheers, Tim 👍

[@paulswan1965]

love it Love it

[@followtheboat]

Nice one, Paul.

[@seatravel8536]

Excellent video! Are you planning on putting wire chases in for solar, cockpits lights, red/white. I see where your headed with it, excellent planning for future options

[@followtheboat]

Yep. I'm particularly looking forward to installing my RGB led strip with remote. Disco lights here we come! The fluffy dice will follow.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Wire chases for lights, speakers (both cockpit VHF, and stereo) and solar panel wriing -as well as all sorts of shelves and cubbyholes for binos, and other essential sailing gear to keep handy in the cockpit are all in our own plans for our someday hard top. It would even be nice for a dedicated spot for a "high and dry" EPIRB mount with a good clear view of the sky for helping keep the battery as fresh as possible when it does its self-tests, and maybe even a dedicated spot for the ditch bag nice and handy and easy to grab.

[@iainlyall6475]

don't forget the houla girl figurine :-)

[@Josef_R]

There needs to be a forum for this so it's all worked out when I'm ready in two years...

[@followtheboat]

Keep watching!

[@SVImpavidus]

Confused of Hampshire.. Spray-hood: covers companion way stops spray. Bimini/suncover over cockpit, can be hard or soft. Enclosure, covers spray-hood to top sides and encloses spray-hood to gunwales fore, aft, port and starboard ....Dodgers canvas windbreaks fitted to guardrails, sometimes with craft name or call sign. Is there an international definition we are missing? Those guys are really great. Craftsmen you dont see these days. Cant wait to the next installment. Ant and Cid xx

[@followtheboat]

'Dodger' as in the US sense, which seems an easy catch-all phrase for what we are doing. Basically, it's a combined sprayhood/bimini with a hard roof and canvas sides. It will also turn into a full enclosure for when we reach colder climes where we will attach (zip) panels at the back of the set-up. Yes, their work is good, and they work fast. We love working with them. Thanks for all your support, guys! 👌 Liz

[@svbarryduckworth628]

I totally get the hard top idea. With the hard windshield/dodger of our Hallberg-Rassy the soft top spanning the overhead actually works VERY well keeping the water out of the front part of the cockpit, even after 42 years. I don't think a hard top would do much better. The soft top we have is some sort of vinyl material, not a marine fabric like Sunbrella. It has held up absolutely fantastically. But still, we want to someday put on a hard top on our boat as well, because of solar panels, and also better solid handholds for going forward. Right now passing by the dodger is a big sketchy in rough seas, which isn't helped at all by the narrowness of the decks. There is literally nothing to hold onto for 4-5 feet until one gets to the foredeck past the windshield. Finally, it would be nice to have a solid place to put a boom gallows, and rigid connecting points for a rain/sun tent going aft to enclose the rear-most part of the cockpit without needing to hang off of the boom -making it impossible to either sail with a cockpit enclosure or use the boom for a cantilevered 'flopper stopper' mounting point off of the side of the hull. The HR-35 Rasmus actually did come with a hard top option that about 1/3 or so of the boats out there have installed. It looks pretty good although some have complained of a lack of headroom. We would build ours a little bit higher since the previous owners have raised the gooseneck and boom on our boat (or so says our sailmaker who is making our new mainsail) so that would allow us to simply make it a little bit taller. This was another great video and I just can't wait to find out how this all turns out. It looks like you have the right crew of workers to get some quality fabricating done. You guys have done a good job of not spoiling the surprise in real time. I've been looking at your other social media photos and haven't seen anything that shows the finished product posted.

[@followtheboat]

And that is because it is not finished, James! This really is a real-time vlog (almost) and we're showing you what we see ourselves. Sounds like you have similar issues and requirements to us regarding the cover.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

That just means your thinking is spot-on then ;) The last two winters on the hard I have wanted to build a hard top for our hard dodger, but it was just such a monumental job (even simply capping over our hard glass windshield as a base support). There are quite a few Rasmus owners who have built exact copies of the factory option top, or have gone off on their own with various modifications. Some have even documented the entire process online so we could simply copy their lead. Some of those turned out better than others... Our top was planned, and we simply ran out of time. I figure it would be a 3 month job just working on it myself. As it stands, we will barely be done in time for launch this spring and we were months late last spring. A hard top will be some future project years in the future if we have some down time on the hard or in a good protected marina.

[@jonathanneethling]

Nice 👍🏻

[@followtheboat]

👌

[@nobody46820]

Have you also considered ventilation and water catchment?

[@followtheboat]

Ventilation shouldn't be a problem as it will be entirely open at the back, and will only be fully enclosed when we're at anchor in cold climates. There will be plenty of zip-out panels too. Water catchment is something we talked about, and maybe we'll retro-fit, but at the moment we're pretty happy with topping up our 600 ltr tanks from the watermaker. I have a feeling we may have made the wrong decision there... 👌😬 Liz

[@svdoinitright7519]

Did you know you were going to run into these guys in Krabi, or was that coincidence? Either way, they did a great job on the refit and I can't wait to see their work on the dodger!

[@followtheboat]

No, complete coincidence! Serendipity, eh?

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Some things are just "meant to be" it seems.

[@michaelfarinola5044]

Very cool, loved the earlier episodes during the remodel.

[@stephenj9563]

They might have been watching your vids and knew you were coming! Its a bit like "getting the band back together".

[@scs130773]

Hey Guys. Looking forward to the finished product. Saw a quick glimpse of your cabin sole flooring. What did you use for that? I'm thinking about a vinyl teak and holly marine product, however trying to find a person who will do it is becoming difficult.. Looking at different ideas still though.

[@SeanRWilson]

Great video & thanks for sharing. These help inspire us all. Now one question, besides just gawking at the designs of other boats you've come across, did you use any specific online resources/forums to inspire your design thinking? Many comments here have suggested Solar mounting options/considerations, interior lighting ideas etc. but obviously benefitting from the shared experiences (mistakes of others) is the better way to go. Anyways, thanks again! Cheers!

[@followtheboat]

Believe me, we used every source at our disposal, haha! Yes, Jamie has already worked out the lighting (I think we'll be having a disco in there every night!) and of course, the reason for the hard top originally was for solar panels. We've had loads of interesting and helpful comments on this first video so far and look forward to many more! 👌 Liz

[@Creek-Critter]

Hi, I was wondering that if you had your time over again, would you consider buying a Pilothouse sailing boat?

[@followtheboat]

Sure, why not? Great protection in shitty weather. Less windflow in the tropics of course but it's all a compromise.

[@JB-dm3nc]

Hi there.... Maybe this has been mentioned; Did you design water collection into the dodger? And, since the dodger is going to be removable, with a few tweaks maybe it can double up as a dingy? :) Make it a great day!!

[@followtheboat]

We'll answer this question in more detail in next week's episode, JB. Thanks for the comment!

[@MichaelOZimmermannJCDECS]

Nice, actually a good idea! Looking forward to the conclusion of the puzzle ☻, after all, it has to cope with the weather and wind! While removable is good, where does it go, when removed? Maybe you should have done it in Japan, as they are the masters of ORIGAMI, haha☺

[@followtheboat]

Hehe! By removable we mean we can take it off to get engine access, but it will be a semi-permanent feature in the short term.

[@theislandpackrat]

If you check out no. 47 and 48 on my site that's the fiberglass dodger I made, Going to inclose the back with canvas one I can take off with plastic windows. I used safety glass and a hand operated windshield wiper. It's so hard to see thru that plastic when wet. Theres several before on me making it. Make sure you curve the top that's what gives it it's strength !

[@followtheboat]

Brilliant! Thanks for that. 👌 Liz

[@sailingdutchman7000]

Thank you for spelling my name right Robbert

[@followtheboat]

Oh good, glad we got it right! 👌 Liz

[@ardith11]

on a side note (Liz not sure if it was you or Jamie) but love the intro music

[@followtheboat]

Cool! It was Jamie's choice, but we both get involved in the music. 99% of the time I love what he's chosen. 👌👍 Liz

[@liongod1000]

Hi Jamie, a question... are you integrating a Rainwater catchment onto the new dodger? I know you have a watermaker but rainwater is VERY free. Fair winds!

[@followtheboat]

Hey Robert. Check out my answer below 👍

[@firstlast1047]

Did you have an opportunity to look at the Hallberg-Rassy hardtop designs?

[@followtheboat]

Not up close, only in photos. We looked at a gezillion pics and trawled up and down dock in marinas! 👌👍 Liz

[@Genjinai]

I don't know what stage you are at right now, maybe you've finished the project already. If you haven't settled on the solar panel arrangement though, my advice would be to rethink about putting in one big solar panel there. It's a tricky position as the boom in most conditions will block the sunlight and if enough of the solar panel is under shade it will render it almost useless a lot of the time. My advice is to install two or more smaller panels there. Instead of having a big one, install two narrower panels that go the length of the dodger. That way, even if the two panels have lower wattage than a single bigger one, if one of them is covered by shade the other one will work flawlessly and you will get more power from that arrangement overall. Depending on the space maybe you could even get more watts overall as instead of using one 250W panel you could install two long and narrow 140W ones. I don't know the exact measurements of the roof and the choice of panels that you have at your disposal but having two or maybe even four smaller panels is the way to go...

[@michaelfarinola5044]

Agreed, doing that now on mine with parallel wiring.

[@followtheboat]

All good advice, thank you! As Jamie said, it's looking more likely that we will put the big panel on the davits at the back. There are panels which work if partly shaded, but smaller panels is probably the way to go. 👌 Liz

[@Frostbbitten]

ok I know this is probably splitting hairs but a dodger is a spray shield that covers the companionway, a hard bimini is what you appear to be building.....or maybe it is a combo arrangement.

[@followtheboat]

Hard dodger google image search: www.google.co.th/search?q=hard+dodger&client=ms-android-samsung&prmd=ivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi0tbLeiuvaAhUEMo8KHbqnCosQ_AUIESgB&biw=360&bih=560&dpr=2

[@SailingYachtZora]

Good call on the hard dodger, I'll be building one as well. I might go full stainless. Way better off than the canvas option. Would you add hand holds to it?

[@followtheboat]

Yes, we're definitely adding bars, just haven't worked out quite where yet... 👌👍 Liz

[@MrPorscheCayenne]

It will be like Amel 55. Actually, nice decision.

[@followtheboat]

Oh, if only it ended up like the Amel 55!

[@bensteel3944]

Any idea on the prices per night to stop in that marina guys? Cheers ..

[@followtheboat]

Not sure...wev'e taken over the end of a friend's annual berth at a knockdown price. Try the website? www.krabiboatlagoon.com/

[@johnyalowica8423]

Did they save the patern for the dodger?

[@MrRourk]

Can you give out the maker and model of that Cat? Just want to see more pics of it. Thanks!

[@followtheboat]

The cats we looked at in Pangkor marina are from Lightwave. We're not huge cat fans, but these models are really nice. www.lightwaveyachts.com/ 👌 Liz

[@CarlisleSpirit]

OK - looks good ,do you mind me asking what is the budget for the dodger / becoming bimini ?

[@followtheboat]

We'll break down those costs towards the end. Although labour is cheap it's custom made and will run into a few $ks

[@snakeplisken4278]

add gutters for rain collection?

[@followtheboat]

We'll talk a bit more about this in next week's episode.

[@mikepaton3614]

Great to see part of the "Hong Kong Fuey" gang back together. Jamie next time ask Ton "Khun tum arai krup" and wait for the surprise on his face. Roughly translated to "what are you doing". What time span have you given for this project? Keep up the great videos.

[@followtheboat]

Love it! I reckon the whole thing will take around 2 months, but we know these things can take a little longer, especially when we have the canvas work to factor in.

[@haywood12]

Wouldn't it be betterto have 2-3 panels due to shadows and stuff like that

[@followtheboat]

Agreed, Allen. It was never the intention to put panels on it... it was an after thought. We have one very large panel we bought for the davits but I'm bothered by windage back there. Still mulling possible solutions over.

[@Rick-tb4so]

Did you say that the plywood is $250.00 per sheet ??

[@davandstudios]

So is that like $20 US?

[@followtheboat]

1200 bhat is around £30, so around $35-40 dollars. Ish.

[@toms4123]

I have aleays liked your 'makeover' videos.

[@followtheboat]

We love the whole process, Tom. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@bluewaterdreamin5034]

HOLY CRAP GUYS! AT 4 minutes and 4 seconds you ride past our old boat!!!!!!!!!! We built her in the 70s. Sailed her in the 80's and sold her in 1990. She then disappeared until I found her last year through a Facebook page I started for the breed. She has been in the yard in Krabi for a while being refitted. My father built her. He also spent 27 years building her sister ship. Dad passed away before finishing. We then spent 2 years finishing and launched Dec last year. I got goosebumps when I saw her in your video. No doubt you are long gone from there now, but needless to say you just made my day!!!!!!!!! If you are still in the yard, check her out. Cheers guys. If you are interested have a look at "Blue water 41" on Facebook to see them both. facebook.com/bluewater41/?ref=bookmarks Wade.

[@followtheboat]

She's a beautiful boat (no name, though). How amazing that you know her! I had a look at the FB page, cool! 👌👍 Liz

[@SailingSVPlanB]

Looks like a William Garden design

[@bluewaterdreamin5034]

She used to have a beautifully sign written gold leaf name across the transom. I don't need to see the name to know that boat. I grew up with it outside my bedroom window for 8 years as she grew into the beautiful boat that she still is today. I would love to have contact with the owners. I have communicated with the broker and asked to have my info passed on to the owners, but, alas, I have heard nothing :(

[@followtheboat]

We'll investigate, and if we turn up anything will let you know. 👌

[@bluewaterdreamin5034]

The brokers name is Alan Giles at boatshed Phuket. I am not trying to circumvent the broker, I would just love to know where she has been and hear stories of her journey. Cheers Team! Good luck with the dodger top too.

[@johnyalowica8423]

What is the contact info for Ton and Tui?

[@almath9987]

£30 per day😨 you wouldn't get a decent welder for that an hour in the uk

[@followtheboat]

And you now what, people still complain that Thailand is getting expensive for boat work! They deserve every penny, in my opinion. 👌 Liz

[@susanking9733]

same one person put a thumbs down on every single comment on this post...really...why not just get a real life rather than be a negative commentor...

[@followtheboat]

Well said, Susan.

[@davandstudios]

This episode was a bit "Dodgy" Yeah , I know my British slang.

[@followtheboat]

😁

[@leosorbello7732]

That’s all very cheap, boat builders start at $85 + gst %10 per hour ,why are you using epoxy ? Polyester would serve and cheaper per kilo . Don’t worry your dodger won’t get osmosis if you use polyester I ashore you.

[@followtheboat]

Fair comment, Leo. TBH this didn't even cross my mind!

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Polyester is also faster-curing and easier to work with than most epoxies. With a foam/honeycomb core polyester makes even more sense here. Epoxy is great stuff and has a much better PSI/strength so I love the stuff for that, it is nearly 4x the price, although to get enough strength one might need to use more fiberglass layers and more resin, which would ultimately result in a heavier finished product while still probably being a little less strong. It depends on if it needs to be walked/stepped on between the stainless supports and how much weight up high one is willing to put up with.

[@leosorbello7732]

Sailing followtheboat 1 layer of 450 g chopped mat on both sides and a 450 db mat both sides would be enough and some 20 by 20 strips of foam core bogged and glassed to 80 mil camber would be the recipe, but I don't know about honeycomb, it's mainly used for bulkheads and deck reinforcing in production boats .