Oceanis 40 Sprayhood

[Simo Makkonen]

My experience is that the original sprayhood is too high for proper visibility from the rudderposts. Has anyone tried to modify the design? Would be grateful for any advice or opinion.

[Mike Brown]

The dodger/spray hood in the US are custom made by local,canvas makers. Ours is made so I can see forward without any issues.
Mike

[Simo Makkonen]

Thanks MIke. Would you have any picture of the solution?

[Mike Brown]

Simo, not sure if I can find any pictures but will look. I will tell you that our dodger has 5 separate clear panels. Each can be detached and removed to allow for better ventilation or left in place for maximum protection. The canvas roof of the dodger is above my line of sight. It connects to the bimini using a section of canvas that can be unzipped and removed. depending on your desire for more or less sun exposure. This piece is referred to as a "connector panel". I hope this helps. 

Mike

PS I like Harry's suggestion to view models on www.yachtworld.com

[Simo Makkonen]

Mike, I have separate sprayhood and bimini, which is good for me. But I still like to have visibility over the sprayhood. I checked the Yachtworld but all B40 boats seemed to be fitted with the B standard sprayhood. Have to make a new sprayhood anyhow so modifying the frames is no problem. Maybe the easiest way is just to cut the main frame shorter.

Simo

[Harry]

Simo,

Maybe I don't understand your question. You want to look over it rather than through the windows? I can't imagine how you might modify a dodger/sprayhood to see over it and maintaining the function of keeping the cockpit dry. 

I have an 08 US built B40. It came with, what I was told, is a EU factory option dodger and bimini (the vendor label on it is "Yellow"). The benefit of it is that it can be easily removed and stored below making it easy to see forward and the sail trim. I normally leave it off unless it raining, going offshore etc,.

I'd suggest checking out the B40/43/46/49/50s on the Yachtworld website. They typically have very detailed pictures of boats for sale that show the variety of dodge/sprayhood, connector, bimini alternatives.  

Harry

[Simo Makkonen]

That's right Harry. I normally also keep the sprayhood down but in some weather conditions it would be good to have it up and still be able to see over it, not through the windows. Lowering the standard sprayhood by 10 - 15 cm would be good for the visibilty, improve the look of the boat and still keep the cockpit area dry the same way it's doing now.

Simo

[Harry]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

I guess if I was doing all new canvas on a B40 I would  consider shortening the bimini length and add a removable connector. My issue is I'd like more sail trim visibility.