How I Made A Custom Hard Spray Dodger for a Vintage Alberg 30 Sailboat

Episode #197 : Hard Dodger Overview Video
Hello Friends,
I have had a lot of people ask me if I made a Build Video of our new Hard Dodger. I didn't film me making it but took tons of photos so I have sat down and made this episode to explain the process and show what images I have to help people understand how I went about making our custom hard dodger.
The best "How To" video I have seen for dodgers is on Free Range Sailing's youtube channel : • Building our NEW HARD ... - Their dodger is a different style than mine and I don't believe you can get the curves that I have with this process but they do a great job explaining how they made theirs.
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Love,
James
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[@philgray3443]

I have to admit, that shape is exactly how I would want a hard dodger to look. I've seen some shockers, but that one is the best. Great work.

[@stevev5510]

+1 for free range sailing... Troy is a very bright, experienced sailor who obviously spends time thinking about stuff.

[@SVFelurian]

Isn't it funny how well thought out designs with massive considerations to detail and relationships to their environment don't really get noticed because they "belong", and bad design stands out? Love the details on how all the curves, angles, and proportions of the boat are brought to the dodger. This doesn't just "happen" when you set out to make something, only when it is made by artists. Fabulous work guys!!

[@SailorJames]

I sanding that much fiberglass could easily be a feature in a Hellraiser movie

[@AlanpittsS2b]

Love the way the windows prop open

[@williamwatts5846]

I've been watching now, Mar 13, 2023, from Tahiti to Fiji. Many rain squalls and you don't seem to give the dodger much thought. I discovered this video looking to make my own dodger thinking yours to be "factory", it looks so good. Strong, functional, and looks excellent. You've taken a fair weather sunny day harbour craft and made it a capable all weather world crusier.

[@gusthunterwindsurfing]

That Thrasher magazine font is great! LOL OG skateboarders! Nice dodger!

[@georgemacon8549]

Honestly, your dodger is BEAUTIFUL... its the most aesthetically pleasing one I've ever seen.

[@danielclint1033]

I’m with you 100% on the importance of the harmony with the vessel, especially an Alberg Design

[@Eddie-jr6bs]

Love it. When I’m king of the world, all sailboats will come with a hard dodger like HR.

[@superfanphoto4833]

I love how his boat looks, he looks strong

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Superb DIY hard dodger. Jim Rodgers

[@jakeroth5809]

My friend that’s a great looking dodger the boat looks like is going to take flight Congrats

[@colinwinters6140]

Your dodger looks amazing James. I like the opening hatches.I saw the free range sailing vids and it’s a great in depth look at the build. Like you I’m a big fan of there’s. as always thanks for the video you do fantastic work.

[@patlorch8478]

Love the use of wigglewood!

[@CowboyBobDuke]

I love it. You did a great job. Love the aesthetics.

[@robertlewisvideo]

The dodger really does look fantastic. Great Design Too.

[@lorettaleger2825]

Thank you for the info. I have an alberg and will be building a hard dodger one day. Cheers

[@denisedaigle7006]

I love it it looks fantastic. It's truly a piece of art.

[@paulhudson4481]

A great piece of art and it look really nice on the boat

[@justlooking2222]

The dodger has a great line flow with the boat. Has a older classic look just like the boat. Another job well done.

[@jeroenvandervelden8213]

Nice job James.... very very nice looking

[@stevel1733]

Dude i thought that was built with the boat way back when. Good job!

[@waywardspirit7898]

A harrowing seafarers tale. Good job and great info for my potential (future) project. Thanx James. :)

[@davfre8000]

Beautiful build

[@Eddie-jr6bs]

Love the hatches

[@Jeremy-mu1tj]

Talent

[@chrisburns5691]

looks great, very creative and good craftsmanship.. I'm sure your experience doing scenic work came in handy for custom work like this.. I have a hard dodger on my 23 footer, more simple, plexiglass with a plywood and glass rounded top with hand holds. I love it, not only can I be in the companionway during rain, I put on the self steering and can sit in the shade of the dodger, still keeping an eye on deck but out of the elements for those hot or wet days. really changes the boat, as I'm sure you are finding.

[@SailorJames]

For sure, easily the most important upgrade I have made to the boat and I am sure that will only become more evident when we cruise to places that actually have weather

[@SailorJames]

For sure, easily the most important upgrade I have made to the boat and I am sure that will only become more evident when we cruise to places that actually have weather

[@mkmccoy6929]

Great job !!! Look good on the boat !!

[@rickg1403]

Beautiful Dodger, did you ever consider putting a clear top, or sliding top to allow light in? You made it as strong as your boat. Good going! Your efforts and time will pay off in the fact that this is permanent. Not marine canvas, that fades,wears and ages. I like your channel more and more. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@donnakawana]

Looks totally perfect... It's just how it should be!!! The opening hatch is perfect... Like it,!!! ✌🏻💗😊❣️

[@danadamson8930]

Thrasher / Banco Font! Nice touch.

[@danielclint1033]

It is a beautiful dodger, for sure.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

That was a great walk through. I’m like you I would want it to look good and yours is beautiful. I think I have maybe one more year of life left in my soft dodger, so I will look to do something very similar I think. As you say so many hard dodgers look too angular or just don’t compliment the shape of the boat and coachroof. Great job and thanks for the inspiration. Andy UK

[@edwardfinn4141]

James thanks for doing this video, I know I asked for details on the hard dodger, thanks for coming thru for me. it’s a good looking dodger, and a great accomplishment. On the same note, could you consider making a video on all the renovations to your boat, from when you first found her to today, all in one video, because you have done a massive job on that Alberg 30. Thanks again !

[@SailorJames]

Yeah that video is in the works actually, it will be a two part episode- deck / topside tour and a below decks / cabin tour. I filmed the deck tour while in Marina Del Rey , it will be a beast to edit but will be fun for me to see the finished episode with before and after clips edited in

[@MarkWilliams-pg5gk]

Thanks for this informative video. Form matters and your skills and knowledge brought it all together.

[@gregvittore5004]

Great job sir!🔥🔥🔥

[@jimh.5286]

A work of art.

[@HDXBear]

Well done it turned out very well good on ya both

[@hodadyou]

Nice work!

[@Hindukushsailing]

Really really came out nice. I agree I always thought alot of dodgers looked boxy and yours did flow with the design. Alot of good ideas on how you put it together. Good half hour video while my crane on my truck was getting fixed. 😀

[@Dragonballsoffire]

New subscriber here. Good luck and wish you well!

[@paulthomas2662]

A great professional job. It looks like it could have been made for the boat by Alberg.

[@andrewrobinson1634]

I started watching after you left hawaii and didn't even realize you made this.

[@joelpowzyk5295]

Good job!!!

[@stevepeterson5943]

That thing belongs on the cover of "Dodgers Monthly" magazine : )

[@SailorJames]

😂😂😂

[@mapleleafer74]

Good job man, always amazing to do stuff yourselves.

[@toddtavares7386]

James, did you do any videos of your external chainplate upgrades?

[@shawndufresne862]

Good job

[@tc-nv8ig]

Awesome vid, thanks for sharing all the info to build that dodger and the stories. Plan on making one for my A37, if you ever see mine, remember copying someone is the highest form of flahtery, only hope mine is as nice as yours .

[@SailorJames]

The world needs more beautiful dodgers ! Copy away !!!

[@susanc.8009]

It has a nice shape and looks good, but the visibility is reduced. Think about opening the whole front where the hatches are and putting on a snap on clear vinyl for protection that you can take off for catching a cool breeze.

[@SailorJames]

Visibility is perfectly fine and “snapped on vinyl” would never have stood up to the waves this dodger has taken at sea.

[@sveula6454]

Thanks for the info James, the dodger really does look fantastic, i think the key was the way you mimicked all her designed curves and angles 👍👍🍺⛵

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

Nice job

[@TheOfficialSaltyFry]

That's a sick looking dodger dude, seeing it completed makes it all worth it! Strong blows don't stand a chance. I love smashing projects with my girl what better way to create art like that, also dude chicken wire is so underrated hahaha... FAIR WINDS ;) -SV HARMONY

[@danielclint1033]

You raised the center of lateral resistance - is she noticeably more tender? Did you consider this high weight as part of your thinking.”

[@murphyproject28]

hi, nice work.... can I ask if you feel difference from before when there's strong wind expecially when oyu are at the anchor...? thanks...

[@SailorJames]

are you asking if the I can feel a difference in the added windage due to the dodger? The only difference I have noticed is how amazingly comfortable and protected everything is now that I have the hard dodger both at sea and at anchor. I can leave the companionway open for ventilation and not worry about as much weather getting into the cabin

[@murphyproject28]

@@SailorJames yes, sorry for my english..... I did something similar on my 28 ft and someone told me that can be "dangerus" but I really don't belive that. I really appreciate your answer... thanks....

[@joshperkins459]

Hi James . big fan here, you mention in this video another video where you fix a friends boats mast step , i feel like ive watched all your videos and have not come across this one is it still up in your channels library of videos?

[@joshperkins459]

nevermind just found it , cheers mate

[@Duxa_]

Curious how much total cost was (roughly), and how much it would cost if you paid someone to do it (savings?).

[@georgelambertson300]

I had to re-look( Second View ) at the final product while you were describing "the Hoodie" with all the features added to the form meets function aspect which Camille carried you through especially Going Down the Stairs Part was a fucking Riot I;m guessing..I can truly say The Dodger turned out perfect and my hat off to you all Great Job...

[@danielclint1033]

I like it.

[@garymarquez5246]

Hi James, I've been trying to find the bow shaped water tank you used. Would you mind telling me where you sourced it from? 1978 O'Day 30"

[@SailorJames]

You can find them here amzn.to/36XSnq9

[@expeditioncalypsowind]

Wow !!!

[@restlessperson5258]

Hi, is the co-host of the video a blue healer?

[@SailorJames]

We think he is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and an Australian Cattle dog. Technically he is a “Queensland Heeler” because he has all three colors. My wife Camille adopted him from a cattle dog rescue on the east coast 7 years ago and he is the best boat dog ever

[@danknox9986]

Not a dodger fan, tossed mine the first week I had the boat. That was almost 20 years ago, but your is defiantly is one of the nicest I have seen. Very good job. One personal note: take Camile and Mr. Steady with you the next time you head off to Hawaii. You will have more fun with them onboard.

[@SailorJames]

It would be completely inhumane to make steady be on a boat for 3 weeks straight and Camille has zero interest in doing that as well

[@danknox9986]

@@SailorJames I’ll pass that along to everyone I know that sails with their dog. 😊 Still like the job you did on the dodger.

[@pauleohl]

I am shocked that Lexan snapped. I suspect that you did not have genuine GE Lexan. Genuine Lexan will bend in a brake, just like sheet metal. Lexan is not the same as Plexiglass.

[@davidsmart8594]

Came here to see the hard dodger...distracted by the Blue Heeler Cattle Dog!

[@markhorrell9213]

What happened to your cattle dog mate? Great,smart dogs! My family bred these working dogs so l understand the breeds needs

[@SailorJames]

When my wife left me she took the dog, my life is a country song.

[@gking5522]

That unit would look great on my 30' sloop from 1979. You did say you took a lot of measurements... If you'll share them, I'll go measure my truck! He He

[@SailorJames]

I said I took zero measurements, it was made in place

[@SailorJames]

I only measured the foot and the stairwell hahaha

[@MarkWilliams-pg5gk]

In this video, you are wearing a striped tee shirt that is of interest with a vee collar. Where did you purchase

[@SailorJames]

It’s from Ralph Lauren , I think I got it at like Ross “dress for less” 😂

[@christinecoughlan4699]

👍🏼👌🏼👏🏼👏🏼✌🏼

[@bryrensexton4618]

👍!!!

[@shastakennmpx17]

Thousands of lifetime projects with WoodPrix plans.

[@Isolerglass]

not true! I built a whole 50m2 garage with a loft in 3 moths and i WORK a ordernary job. It is insulated, an eleveator, tiles on the rood, no amarican bullshit "plywood, tyvek, plastic siding). It should take one week max

[@Isolerglass]

Nice hard sprayhhood thou!!

[@SailorJames]

Less weed bro, less weed

[@jfc213]

why did you nagt make a video of this ??? xx

[@lauronkirk]

Lol!

[@terrynorton3182]

Nice job.