Mic wrote:

The only issue I see with a hard dodger is the possible effect of the
righting momentium. Any thoughts on this? And what, in your opinion
are some of the other downsides of a hard dodger other than possibly
the change in look and lines of the vessel?

Negligible compared to the reduction due to radar up the
mast or roller furling.

I had a hard top dodger on the last boat. Good protection
from wind/waves, easy to remove the windows in the summer
for good breezes in sheltered waters. Very nice.

I like hard dodgers on boats. Our current boat is a cat and
be steered with the autopilot remote in the saloon - stay
warm and dry, only need to go outside to tend sails.

Evan Gatehouse