Sailboat Bimini and Dodgers

Bimini and dodger combinations are common canvas upgrades to sailboats.  The dodger protects the crew and cabin passageway from sun and spray.  A bimini shades the cockpit from the sun.  A connector panel is often ordered to connect the dodger and bimini together creating a complete cover.

Above is a California style dodger with handles.  You can just see through the side window the two struts that hold the front bow in place.  The handles hold the back bow in place.  With this method, the side walls and front windows can be removed.

The bimini has longitudinal struts on each side that hold the front and rear bows in place.  Two struts from the rear bow to the pushpit complete the bimini framing.  If you look closely, you can see that there are no straps holding the bimini in place.  You cannot see it here but the bimini also has a skylight to see the top of the mast from the helm.

The connector panel zippers onto the dodger and bimini.

Below is an example of a traditional dodger.  With this approach, the fabric and the frame work together to hold each other in place.