Iverson’s Design, Olympia, Wash., United States

Elan 386 Retractable Dodger

This convertible dodger for an Elan 386 sailboat was intended to protect the crew and the entryway from rain and waves, as well as to enhance the style of the sailboat. The client wanted the ability to retract the top section of the dodger but leave the windshield section intact, allowing more air flow and light to enter the cockpit. The complexity of this dodger was in making the retractable function easy, while maintaining structural integrity in the frame. It was challenging to keep the canvas portion properly fit and wrinkle-free.

The results of the project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the marine projects sailboats category of the 2007 International Achievement Awards, were great. The overall form of the dodger was streamline and helped enhance the styling of this sleek sailboat. The client commented that the sailboat looks better with the dodger than without.