Show Me Your Radar Arch

[theonecalledtom]

We've been pondering adding a Radar Arch to One Love. This isn't yet a sure thing but in researching them I've found precious little material on building or buying them. Much of the market is orientated around power boats.

Reasons we're interested in an arch, in descending priority:
1) Place to put solar panals
2) Mount for radar and potentially a wind generator
3) Potential for extra seating in the corners
4) Good place to stow stuff like lines and a stern anchor
5) Another thing to hang onto

Things that concern us:
1) Potentially Ugly.
2) Expensive (Or are they? How much might it cost to get one built custom?)
3) Will it mess with our windvane's operation?

If any of you have pictures of your wonderful arches they would be much appreciated. As would any advice on construction, or links to websites with decent information.

-Tom

[MikeinLA]

I don't have an arch, but in a recent thread on another forum, the topic of an arch on a Pacific Seacraft 37 came up. Aside from it being profoundly ugly, some of the concerns were: 1. That the arch structure would disrupt flow to the windvane and hinder proper operation and 2. That so much weight so far aft would make the boat tend to hobby horse in heavy seas. This would depend on your boat's weight distribution and design and finally, that 3. The weight so high up would effect the boat's capsize ratio and righting moment, potentially a dangerous situation. These might be a few things to think about while you wait for owners with arches to chime in.

Mike

[s/v Jedi]

Here you go; click the photo to get the complete album:


This was done in Grenada.

cheers,
Nick.

[Not Sure]

And when its not being used as a radar arch, its used to host WWF Wrestlemania cage matches for PPV.

[Anzo]

I'll likely be getting one too. The link (or one of the links-they keep changing) at the top of the thread look like a promising way to start.
UNI ARCH - Completed Projects - UNI

I think with a little modification I could get happy with that, specially for the price.

[Vasco]

Standard Beneteau 423 arch mounted on a 393. Custom wind generator pole. I hang a 10'06" RIB with a 15hp 2 stroke on it.

[S/V Antares]

I used to look at them and wonder why. After 3 years of crusing I now wonder When.

The Pacific Seacraft mentioned is not a likely candidate but I saw one with a hard top recently that had 4 solar cells and was an attachment point for the wind machine mast. Worked for them. WTH, It is really an extension of davits and makes sense.

[DaveOnCudjoe]

Tom, This is on a 31ft tri. it separates at mid hieght so I can still lower the mast for trailering. It's a perfect place for the panels and provides much appreciated security in the cockpit. It could easily be modified for additional uses, radar,wind gen,etc. Custom made in Fl Keys $2200. Dave

[Rvrratt]

Dave,
who made your arch? was it done in Key West? Knew a guy there who did really good arch fabrication when I lived there back in '03-04. (very nicely done, BTW.)

[DaveOnCudjoe]

Rvrratt, Arc was made by Robt Sherman of Big Pine Key. You may be thinking of Jace Hobbs who is now in Hawaii. There ,of course ,are others who come and go. Dave

[Rene]

We installed our arch in Alameda California. Our boat is a Hunter 45CC and our priorities were Davits, Solar panels, Outboard lifting and mounting, mount for TV tracking antenna, mounting for dive compressor and gas tank for compressor and outbard. We are happy with the arch except for extra weight (almost ballanced by 300' of anchor chain), a ton more stainless to polish and having to redesign and rebuild the davit system. Oh, did I mention the cost $17000.oo give or take.

[Caribsailors]

I started this in January. I'm lucky to have access to a fantastic shop, that has allowed ME, to do the design and fabrication and they weld what I give them.

Solar panels mount on top once canvas is on. Swing arm for OB & attachments for dinghy hoist still need to be attached

It's been a great experience. Now I want a TIG welder!!

[senormechanico]

NOTHING should be above solar panels. Not a gps, nothing.
Shadows are death to solar collection.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

NOTHING should be above solar panels. Not a gps, nothing.
Shadows are death to solar collection.

So, you put them on top of your masthead VHF antenna? ;-) I'm afraid that on a sailboat it will always be a compromise and I know from experience that Caribsailors setup will work very well.

cheers,
Nick.

[Stillraining]

Originally Posted by Caribsailors

Now I want a TIG welder!!

Amen to that Brother.