2015 Award of Excellence – Sailboat Dodgers
Project: Trimaran Dodger and Bimini
Project specifications.
A complete redesign of a dodger and bimini for a racing trimaran. The total project combined the dodger and bimini, along with a fill-in link sheet and dodger window cover to make a very versatile and usable cockpit enclosure. What was there originally did not suit the style of the trimaran nor owners sailing preferences. So there was a major change to the shape and size of the dodger and bimini, to allow more water and shade protection, while retaining the existing mounting points. Materials used: Riviera, Makrolon, SolarFix, Stainless Steel Tube ( 1 and 1&1/4″)
What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?
The client wanted a wider dodger for more winch clearance, as well as longer to create better coverage for the companionway and protection from green water. The bimini needed to be longer for more shade while opening up access into the cockpit, and shortening the link sheet as it is a suspended cover. We had to retain the existing mounting points so as not to add any more holes to the boat.
What is unique or complex about the project?
The frame bending was some of the most challenging we have done, especially having to retain the dodger mounting point. We swept the main frame aft first and then up. The bimini frame required some compound bending to retain the side length while extending the middle as far as practical.
What were the results of the project?
The client was overwhelmed by the visual and structural change, while still retaining the race look of the trimaran.
Project details
Fabric 1 name: Riviera
Fabric 1 producer: Herculite Products Inc.
Fabric 1 supplier: Nolan UDA
Fabric 2 name: Makrolon
Fabric 2 producer: Bayer
Fabric 2 supplier: Bainbridge International
Fabric 3 name: Solarfix
Fabric 3 supplier: Nolan UDA
Fabric 4 name: Stainless Steel Tube ( 1 and 1&1/4″)
Fabric 4 supplier: Brisbane Stainless Sales
Design: David Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers
Fabrication: David Elliott, Aaron Stumer, Glenn Mcdonnell, Kieran Jones – David’s Custom Trimmers
Installation: David Elliott, Aaron Stumer and Kieran Jones, David’s Custom Trimmers
Location: Sandgate, Brisbane, Australia
