Archives

Project Details

Fabric 1

Sunbrella
Producer/Manufacturer: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Stamskin Top
Producer/Manufacturer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 3

KTex PVC 18
Producer/Manufacturer: Keyston Bros.
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 4

Tuffak Marine 5
Producer/Manufacturer: Keyston Bros.
Primary Use: OTHER

Fabric 5

YKK
Producer/Manufacturer: Miami Corp
Primary Use: Hardware/Findings

Design Name
Keri Ames

Design Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Fabrication Name
Keri Ames

Fabrication Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Project Manager Name
Keri Ames

Project Manager Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Installation Name
Keri Ames

Installation Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Please describe the project specifications

This project consisted of a full canvas redesign and installation of a dodger with frame, bimini and connector for a classic 1988 36’ Sabre sailboat. The first goal of the redesign was to balance updated and traditional components to compliment the original classic design and lines of the boat while adding touches of modernization. Secondly, the client wanted the ability to see through the front windshield, not above the dodger, while standing at the helm. This allows the ability to sail with the connector in place without compromising cockpit shade with a connector window.
The boat presents a narrow companion way cabin top and beam compared to modern sailboats of the same length. This created a design challenge for an under-frame sight line without creating a disproportioned “boxy” or “tugboat” look to the dodger given the captain’s 6’ height. Careful consideration was required to allow a properly angled connector between the bimini and dodger for end of boom clearance. Multiple areas of the frame were focused on to counteract the taller height of the dodger. First was the angle of the shoulder width. The forward bow was angled to sit well inside the companion way cabin top and align with the inside combing point of the cockpit. The aft bow shoulder width was also angled in but slightly less than the forward. Visually the frame (side panels) starts wider at the aft narrowing towards forward. Combined with vertical decrease of the shoulder width (wider at the deck, narrower at top), it draws the eyes inwards in both directions and eliminates a boxed dodger while allowing height. In addition, a wider aft bow allowed for the proper clearance for a full handle rotation for the cabin top winches. Second, was increasing the “natural” crown of the frame. In this case rather than keeping the crown in alignment with the crown of the cabin top, more crown was added. This created more height of the windshield at center where it was needed most given the boat is a single wheel helm with standing line of site at center. Last, the mounting frame point was moved slightly aft. This allowed for an increase in the front windshield rake and pushed the aft dodger bow further into the cockpit. The increase rake reduces a boxed look and with the aft dodger bow sitting further back increased the angle of the connector from bimini to dodger for more end of boom clearance.
The cosmetic design focus was to deliver a seamless, clean finished, stylish product both inside and out. To achieve this, on the inside you will find the design eliminates site of all zippers which includes zippers for the bimini and dodger bow and mid bow pockets, bimini backstay and removable dodger panels. Required line cutouts for the dodger were kept to the minimal amount and remain functioning. Because only spare halyards run through the cleat block, an access cutout in the panel was not required by the customer. A virtually invisible entry point for the traveler line was created by eliminating both the use of a long cutout and/or zipper closure or large grommet. Traditional fasteners for the center panel were replaced with track. This also allows much easier access to open the center panel from inside the cockpit. On the outside you will find the same attention to detail with a covered connector zipper matching the curve of the dodger top, gusset style backstay wrap to eliminate water intrusion and virtually invisible darts creating a tight custom bimini top fit. A 3-piece windshield design was implemented to provide maximum unobstructed views adding to the touches of modern design.

This project was entered to showcase a different design approach to add contemporary styling. Rather than utilize present-day modern frame techniques (compound bends, curves, and cantilever design) the basic frame shape was kept traditional with tweaks to modernize and blend seamlessly with the classic lines of the boat. The frame design, updated window configuration, in conjunction with utilizing modern materials; PVC, silicon and acrylic fabric in a contemporary color, the project resulted in an updated look while honoring the original boat design. The seamless, clean interior and exterior finishes also sets this project apart. The project also highlights the challenges in meeting customer requests while continuing to deliver a high-quality product.

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