After owning a since 1996, I helped a new owner fit out his boat. I've read all of the comparisons between the two on this board, and I agree with the majority: it all boils down to personal preferences.
What strikes me most is how low the boom is. Prior to buying the I owned a Venture 24 that I could comfortably tack or jibe while seated, without having to duck to avoid the boom. Unless the boom on this is assembled incorrectly, I see bigtime use of Tylenol for unsuspecting crew.
As a follow-up to the same topic, the owner of a sail loft at the same marina was wondering how you could possibly design a dodger, given the limited clearance between the boom and the top of the main hatch. Has any owner installed a dodger?
Thus far I'm still combing. Pretty much daily. So, no. I guess.
In an effort to be helpful Bob, I'm just curious. Where were you sitting?
The end of the boom ruffly is over the front of the helm pedestal. Sitting forward of that point is safe for most people, standing there requires paying some attention. As far as I know, it's the same on the X.
Spirit of the Wind wrote:As a follow-up to the same topic, the owner of a sail loft at the same marina was wondering how you could possibly design a dodger, given the limited clearance between the boom and the top of the main hatch. Has any owner installed a dodger?
Well, the place I am having some work done (slugs on sail), I will ask them what they think about a dodger.
We were thinking about a dodger among some other work.
Paul, this question came up here last summer and it continues to be part of the long term plan for our boat.
To make room for the dodger I plan to have either a custom cut mainsail or reef points added that allow the boom to attach in it's normal gooseneck position but have the sheet end raised up. In other words, if the mainsail is a right triangle shape 90 degrees at the base, I'm suggesting that angle be changed to 85 or 80 degrees. Then there'd be plenty of room for a dodger. There is of course a loss of sail power involved, but it is assumed with the dodger up you'd want to be reefed anyway.
Might be interesting if you get the chance to ask your sailmaker about it.
Joe 26M Time Warp wrote:Paul, this question came up here last summer and it continues to be part of the long term plan for our boat.
To make room for the dodger I plan to have either a custom cut mainsail or reef points added that allow the boom to attach in it's normal gooseneck position but have the sheet end raised up. In other words, if the mainsail is a right triangle shape 90 degrees at the base, I'm suggesting that angle be changed to 85 or 80 degrees. Then there'd be plenty of room for a dodger. There is of course a loss of sail power involved, but it is assumed with the dodger up you'd want to be reefed anyway.
Might be interesting if you get the chance to ask your sailmaker about it.
What about putting slugs on the mast side of the bottom of the sail and none at the end of the boom. Would that keep the sail shape and have the boom at a bit tighter angle? May have to raise it up the mast another inch or so maybe?
I'll see what she has to say. Had an appt today..but the boat is still not back from the mechanic from out last outing (overheated motor, water pump failed)
If the conditions are bad enough to require a doder...maybe sailing performance may not be
Rich Smith wrote:Dowsar Marine in Canada has a design out for the 26M dodger...looks quite good... (I have their X dodger and am quite happy with it)
Is there any pics of it on an M? Their site shows one on an X. I would like to bring something to my sailmaker for ideas (I am sure they will have their own though)
On my 26M with the factory Mainsail, when the sail is hoisted, the aft end of the boom is lifted a bit above parallel.
When single-handing through a tack or gibe, I generally cross the cockpit in front of the steering pedestal since I find it easier to handle the Genoa, traveler, and main sheet from there. At no point have I thought the boom was dangerously low - I am 5'9" tall.
The boom is high enough that it rides above the forward edge of my bimini, too - so the bimini can stay up while sailing if desired.
I agree that in the slip, with the boom parallel to the water and the mainsail cover on, the boom is very low.
Even so, a dodger would have to be somewhat lower than "average" to fit under the boom under sail. The other issue that is going to come up with the dodger, is that the 26M hatch is shorter than the 26X hatch - so with a short dodger many people will find themselves having to hunch over to fit under the dodger to get into the hatch.
What I have been pondering is not so much a full dodger, but just a sort of spray-shield, maybe a foot tall, that could go across forward of the winches and over the top of the sliding hatch to block some wind and spray. This would be a great addition, at least for me - with any kind of cross wind, the 26M gets a lot of spray in the cockpit above about 8 knots under power.
since 1996, I helped a new 
owner fit out his boat. I've read all of the comparisons between the two on this board, and I agree with the majority: it all boils down to personal preferences.
