How to Replace a Vinyl Window in a Dodger

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Is your dodger still in good condition, but the windows need replaced? This is not an uncommon thing to happen with your boat. After a few years, your clear vinyl window material can become discolored, scratched or cracked. Or maybe it experienced some kind of damage that was uncontrollable. Whatever reason, replacing the window in your dodger is a simple DIY that does not require you having to replace the entire dodger.
Video Steps:
  • Intro — 0:00 min.
  • Removing Fasteners in Seam Area — 1:18 min.
  • Scoring Old Clear Vinyl Window — 3:37 min.
  • Basting New Clear Vinyl Window — 6:34 min.
  • Sewing New Clear Vinyl Window — 10:07 min.
  • Trimming New & Removing Old Window — 16:38 min.
  • Helpful Trick - Removing Old Brittle Window — 18:21 min.
Materials List:
  • Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (50 yds.) #129
  • Strataglass™ 30 Gauge Vinyl Window Material 54" x 110" Clear  #791123 
  • Protect-It™ Gray 63" Fabric  #122679
  • PremoBond® Tex 90 (V-92) Black UV Bonded Polyester Thread  #123338
Tools List:
  • Sailrite® Poly Cutting Board 12" x 12" #123964
  • 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner 32 oz. (Quart) #30553 
  • Multiuse Pins 1-1/2" (250 pack) #102985
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) #311602 
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Industrial Sewing Table  #120934
  • Vise-Grip Pliers, Drill and Drill Bits, Heat Gun, Razor Blade, Needle-Nose Pliers

 

Vinyl Window Replacement in a Dodger Video 2
Our how-to video will show you the step-by-step process of removing the existing vinyl window material and replacing it with brand-new vinyl.

At Sailrite® we carry the best vinyl window material brands in the industry. Choose from brands including Strataglass™, O’Sea®, Regalite® and Crystal Clear for your dodger’s new window. We recommend vinyl window material between 30 gauge and 60 gauge for dodgers. The thicker the material (60 gauge), the more difficult it will be for some sewing machines to punch through. If you’re sewing your dodger windows with the Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine, you never have to worry about skipped stitches, needle deflection, or the machine not being able to sew through your materials. The Ultrafeed is known for its ability to sew through anything you can fit under the presser foot!

There are six basic steps involved in removing your existing dodger window and replacing it with new window material. These steps are listed above, and they are also covered in detail in the video. Watch the video and learn how to be a self-reliant sailor by doing your own canvas repairs and sewing!

We hope this video has been helpful and informative. Please let us know if you have any questions as you work on replacing your dodger window. And if you are looking to replace your entire dodger — or maybe sew your own dodger for the first time — we have a fantastic full dodger tutorial. “How to Make a Dodger” is an incredibly detailed, step-by-step video that will teach you how to cut, sew, and assemble your own dodger. We even have Dodger Skin Kits and Dodger Frame Kits with all the materials and supplies — you provide the sewing machine — you need to DIY your own dodger from start to finish.

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