After 15 years it was becoming essential to replace the fogging strataglass in our dodger,
it was essentially becoming a safety issue. We replaced the center pane 2 years ago before leaving the boat in storage but, we skipped the two outer panels which would be a much more challenging sewing job.
In addition to the window panes, we noted that several of the zippers and other seams on the dodger were ripping out as the 15yr old stitching was degrading. Time for an overhaul to get us through at least one more season before we totally replace the dodger/bimini/enclosure.
Re-sewing the zippers and seams was pretty straightforward. We noted the zippers and some of the dodger material is on its last legs, but should last for one more sailing season.
We also replaced the sacrificial leather protection along the front of the dodger where the mainsheet rubs whenever the tension comes off of the boom sheeting. That was also straight forward sewing without having to feed the stiff plexiglass through the sewing machine.
Sewing on the new glass was much more challenging. Three sides were no serious problem, but the last side required the dodger to be rolled up tightly (including the center window section) to pass through the sewing machine.
Once the new glass is sewed on, you have to cut away the old glass. That turned out to also be a challenge as the old glass had become so brittle over the years that it was not possible to smoothly cut it. Instead it often broke off in shards of hard, brittle plastic. But working slowly and methodically, we removed the old glass. You can notice in the photo the old glass often cracked as we manipulated it roughly. It was definitely in need of replacement.
it was essentially becoming a safety issue. We replaced the center pane 2 years ago before leaving the boat in storage but, we skipped the two outer panels which would be a much more challenging sewing job.
In addition to the window panes, we noted that several of the zippers and other seams on the dodger were ripping out as the 15yr old stitching was degrading. Time for an overhaul to get us through at least one more season before we totally replace the dodger/bimini/enclosure.Re-sewing the zippers and seams was pretty straightforward. We noted the zippers and some of the dodger material is on its last legs, but should last for one more sailing season.
We also replaced the sacrificial leather protection along the front of the dodger where the mainsheet rubs whenever the tension comes off of the boom sheeting. That was also straight forward sewing without having to feed the stiff plexiglass through the sewing machine.
Sewing on the new glass was much more challenging. Three sides were no serious problem, but the last side required the dodger to be rolled up tightly (including the center window section) to pass through the sewing machine.
Once the new glass is sewed on, you have to cut away the old glass. That turned out to also be a challenge as the old glass had become so brittle over the years that it was not possible to smoothly cut it. Instead it often broke off in shards of hard, brittle plastic. But working slowly and methodically, we removed the old glass. You can notice in the photo the old glass often cracked as we manipulated it roughly. It was definitely in need of replacement.
It was a major task taking a couple days and several bad words being uttered but, ultimately it was a success. Here's a photo of the dodger with new glass installed. Will definitely improve our safety posture especially in low light situations and make docking a little less stressful. Next year its all new canvas for us.
