Mariner Canvas Company, New Bern, N.C.

The customer for this project, which won an Award of Excellence in the dodger category of the 2008 MFA Awards, consists of a rigid, is a cruiser and wanted a sturdy, safe and functional dodger with features that include a strong, self-supporting frame made of heavy-gauge 1-inch stainless steel, with front and side stanchions. Stainless steel rivets secure all eye-ends to the tubing. The dodger is made of Sunbrella with 40-gauge Strataglass clear windows. Zipped frame pockets provide convenient installation and removal. Bottom edges are reinforced with 30-gauge vinyl, Sunbrella binding, and are fastened with DOT Common-Sense and Lift-the-Dot hardware. Patio 500 is used for a full inside facing on the front windows, as well as the grab area around the aft bow, providing additional strength. Leather and Patio 500 are used where needed for chafe protection. A u-zip center window that hinges up for storage under the dodger top allows the customer to open and close the center panel from the convenience and safety of the cockpit. Mesh accessory pockets are installed inside the wing panels. Sunbrella window covers offer flexible coverage, with edges reinforced with 30-gauge vinyl and attached with DOT Common-Sense fasteners. The project design is securely fitted along the entire bottom edge to minimize water intrusion into the cockpit and provide convenient line use. The u-zip center window that hinges up under the dodger-top for storage provides convenient and safe operation from the cockpit, minimizes Strataglass wear, and gives the crew increased visibility.