Dodger is a term used in sailing and sailboats. It is a frame-supported canvas (sometimes with vinyl windows) structure providing a helmsman and other occupants of a sailboat partial protection from harsh weather and seas. It covers part of the cockpit and the entrance (or "companionway") into the interior of the sailboat. One can usually stand under a dodger and be protected from rain, spray and snow travelling straight down or from the front/fore of the craft. There is little protection afforded from elements moving from aft to fore, but since the boat is usually moving forward this is seldom a problem. A similar type of shelter on a boat, without the forward and side protection, is called a Bimini top. - Source: Wikipedia