The Element Instant Cabin (aka Bow Dodger ) is not a boat cover/bow cover, and therefore should not be used as such.
The Element cabin is a handmade item with extensive craftsmanship. To keep it in a satisfactory state, we advise to store your cabin clean and in dry condition, and in its provided case while it’s not in use.
It is okay to rinse the cabin from time to time. When doing so, rinse with cold water only. Use light detergent or boat soap if needed. Brush gently with a soft brush only if needed. Rinse off thoroughly. Cabin must fully dry before being placed in its case for storage. Do not use a washing machine or dryer.
Our cabin’s prototypes went through many sea-trials and tests, and we listened to our customer’s feedback.
Ivory Off-white is preferred because:
- It is a natural color that is aesthetically pleasing.
- It matches with most other colors such as black, green, navy, red, burgundy, gray, blue, etc.
- It helps with reducing or filtering UV rays.
- It does not accumulate heat like dark colors.
- It does not blind the skipper as bright white does.
- It hides dirt very well.
- It is a warm color.
The color ivory is warmer than bright white and features a yellow tinge and a soft hue.
The term “universal” is used when a part is not boat/vehicle-specific. This means it was not designed to fit on one or a select few boats.
Universal does NOT mean the part/bow dodger cabin will fit any boat. In most cases, one or more of the following will be required:
- Sufficient surface on the gunwale to lay the mounting track and rest the legs of the frames ( 2″ minimum for both items combined if the weather-tight cabin is chosen)
- Sufficient gunwale height
- The boat’s bow dimension should be within the advised dimension brackets of each size and model cabin
- Sufficient length on the bow to accommodate the cabin’s length
If you have a bow railing, please let us know about its type and location.
If your boat’s bow has an unusual shape or uneven gunwale, please consult with us.
Example; As shown on our Photo Gallery
The Weather-tight model, 16ft to 23ft size cabin will – universal- fit ;
Angler 204 CC
AquaSport 21′ Osprey
AquaSport 222 Osprey
Boston Whaler 270 Vantage DC
Century 2100 CC
Century 2200 CC
Grady-White 230 Fisherman CC
Janmor WA 580 Sun deck
Key West 239 FS
Mako 19′ CC
and so on…
Link to cabin; http://marinecanopy.com/product/boat-shade-small-bow-dodger/
How should I perform dry fit?
It is very simple, yet one of the most important steps of the cabin installation.
- Remove Frame A and C from the cabins canvas, set the rest of the cabin, and insect screen aside.
- Find your reference line on the bow – where you will like your cabin to start – and measure back 21″, mark this point with blue tape.
- Using the same reference line; measure back 71″ ( or for a larger cabin 81″ ) and again mark that point with blue tape.
- Position Frame A ( the smallest/ most forward frame ) horizontally on the 21″ mark, then mark the points on the gunwale with blue tape where the legs of the frames are resting.
- Position Frame C horizontally at the 71″ ( or 81″ for the larger cabins ) and again mark with blue tape the points where the legs of the frames are resting on the gunwale.
These marked ( blue tape ) points on your gunwale are your guidelines/ parameter for laying down the mounting track.
You may find Frame A or C a bit wider or narrower than the desired width that suits your gunwale dimensions. Remember the aluminum frames of the cabin are flex outward and inward, as listed on the product description Shop pages.
GazziBow trackless model cabin functions as a tent. It will withstand wind up to 20mph if it’s installed correctly. You may choose to cruise with the GazziBow if installed according to the recommendations and when using all pad-eyes provided with the product.
The operator/skipper of the vessel is responsible for determining if the visibility is sufficient when the cabin is deployed while the vessel is underway.
GazziBow works perfect for anchorage and sandbar hangouts, afternoon siesta, overnight camping, etc. It will provide a fantastic shelter from sun and wind.
The Element is a universal fit instant cabin; it is available in five sizes. There is nothing like our item on the market. What make our product special and unique are our proprietary design and the product ability to form its shape for each and every boat.
The boat owner will decide the desired shape of the canopy that suite his boat’s bow. Our instant cabin, THE ELEMENT comes with pre-cut, high finished pvc track; you will shape the track according to your boat’s bow shape and dimension. As long the track will be installed correctly, – which is a very simple and easy installation – it is 100% guarantee that the canopy will be a perfect fit.
Yes.
Each cabin goes through an inspection before packaging; the cabins were installed on an inspection bench, tested for any fabric flaw and potential sewing error as well as stress testing. We are confident that you will receive a high-quality product.
2-year warranty: Cabin’s canvas, clear vinyl, and aluminum frames
1-year warranty: all other parts and hardware such as straps, Velcro, etc
Please read Care Instructions in the next tab.
NOTE: Company/manufacturer reserves the right to deny warranty in case of foul play or misuse of the product.
The best way to avoid that situation is communication.
We encourage everyone to contact us and verify fit before purchasing the cabin. Our company offers excellent technical support, so there is no reason for you not to take advantage of it by contacting us via email and verifying the cabin’s fit.
We will be asking for:
- The year, make and model of your vessel
- Photos of the bow of your vessel so we can see its shape, gunwales, railing, and any obstacles you might have such as rod and cup holders, navigation lights, cleats, hatches, etc.
- A few simple measurements ; Instructions
Our database has hundreds of boats on file confirmed by boat owners who are already using our cabins. If you are communicating with us and we were able to confirm the fit of the cabin to your vessel, there is almost zero chance that the cabin will not fit. Please circle back to our dry-fit instructions and contact us. We will be assisting you with installation via phone, email, and video chat if needed.
Send photos to info@marinecanopy.com – include the year, make and model of your vessel.
No. The Element is an innovated bow dodger / instant cabin. It is a manufactured item and does NOT build to individual specifications.
The Element has two registered U.S. Patents and six individual claims regarding its functionality and design. Our unique and proprietary design features a free standing support frame. The Element’s frame is designed to flex and accommodate a wide range of boats and bow shapes.
We recommend the medium size canopy.
The installation of The ELEMENT will only take few minutes, and you can start enjoying your prefab instant cabin immediately!
In general, The ELEMENT can accommodate 2 adults and 2 small children; however, it depends on your vessel’s bow area setup. As a day shelter, there is about 4’ to 5’ of space between seats and The ELEMENT, so even a tall person can comfortably be seated below the canopy.
Yes, both are easily removable with a set of zippers.
The ELEMENT comes fully assembled. Aluminum frame parts are connected with Stainless Steel wires, so you will don’t have to sort parts or worry about losing parts while installing or removing The ELEMENT. Just install the track and attach the cabin.
You will only have to measure the width of your vessel’s bow. There is an easy 3 Step Guide to follow on our Measurements page, which includes simple diagrams so you can pull the measurement and place your order in minutes.
No. The ELEMENT includes all hardware for installation as well the track it is to be installed on. You’ll receive detailed instructions and can access videos on our website to show you how to install the track in minutes and start enjoying your instant cabin.
The ELEMENT is weather-tight if it is installed correctly! Water shouldn’t be able to enter between canopy and gunnel.
The ELEMENT is designed to fit various sizes and bow shapes on boats between 18’ – 40’ in length. Our product is recommended to be installed on center consoles; however, our customers have installed The ELEMENT on bowriders as well.
Yes, you can! Each prefab cabin is designed to accommodate various sizes and wide range of bow shapes. Choose the size that best fits the larger of your boats.
No. The canopy is constructed with a set of 3 bow shape anodized aluminum frames. The frames are free-standing and do not attached to any brackets or hardware.
No, you can install and remove The ELEMENT as conditions changes. The only thing that will stay in place is a neat white ½’ PVC track. You can order additional track pieces for your other boats and switch The ELEMENT from craft to craft in minutes.
The ELEMENT is made of the highest quality materials, intended for years of use and durability. The frame is anodized aluminum; the fabric is 100% marine woven acrylic; the hardware is stainless steel and brass / nickel; and the closures are heavy duty marine grade Velcro and #10 zippers.
The ELEMENT is a prefabricated item, and requires no advance custom measurements, templating or fabrication! You can order your cabin and have it delivered to your location within 3 days.
A big part of our innovation is the ability to easy fit your prefab cabin onsite to your specific boat. Simply lay the supplied track according to your vessel’s bow shape and dimensions, slide in the bottom section of the canopy, attach the top section of the canopy and watch how it conform to accommodate your vessel. The way the fabric pieces are designed, cut, and constructed allow the canopy to adjust to various bow shapes with ease.
The ELEMENT is the first and only prefab instant cabin that fits virtually any center console boat without the need for expensive customization. It functions as a complete shelter with the ability to be transformed as a fully closed, weather-tight cabin, allowing it to accommodate boaters for overnight stays aboard. You can turn your day trips into weekend adventures! In contrast, old fashioned bow dodgers, Bimini tops, and boat covers are not weather-tight cabins. They cannot protect you from harsh weather or mosquitoes and other flying insects, nor do they provide adequate airflow in an enclosed space.
