'03 270 Radar Arch Removal

ChillLaxin

I know there has been many threads on the cracks in the arches (which I also have), but I couldn't find anything on arch removal. I am going to buy a large boat shelter to put my boat in to complete some motor work and need the arch off so I can get it inside and clear the door.

I removed the port side plastic storage area and the starboard side cooler holder to access the 4 bolts each side has holding the arch on. I can push up and move the arch now. 

??? Do we just push out on each arch side to move the bolts past the hull to remove the arch? Just wondering the flex in the arch as to not damage it (more) or scratch the hull sides.......

ChillLaxin

Michael T

Can you tap the bolts out so they either fall out or at least don't stick out much. I would not want to pull the two sides of that arch too far apart as that might crack the top of the arch where it turns 90 degrees.

ChillLaxin

I tapped on them a little and it seems they are permanently attached from the inside of the arch which would make sense. Not positive but that would be the only way to be able to screw the nuts on when attaching the arch back to the hull right?

Really hoping someone on the forum here has done this already. . . . . 

ChillLaxin

Thanks Al! Looks like I'm shopping for a used crane or a rental. The peak of the rasar arch is just under 14' off the ground!!!

randy56

The carpenter in me says, leave arch on, buy a 20 x 40 blue tarp.  a box of 3 inch wood screws buy 6 -14 ft 2x4s 12 -10 ft 2x4s build a frame work for the rear of the boat with x braces then cover whole boat. 100ft 3/8 rope to tie it off. a  month later, you should be done with it.

ChillLaxin

randy56 said:

The carpenter in me says, leave arch on, buy a 20 x 40 blue tarp.  a box of 3 inch wood screws buy 6 -14 ft 2x4s 12 -10 ft 2x4s build a frame work for the rear of the boat with x braces then cover whole boat. 100ft 3/8 rope to tie it off. a  month later, you should be done with it.

LOL

ChillLaxin

I don't imagine the radar arch is going to weight all that much. Maybe a few hundred lbs? I was thinking of making something out of wood that I can erect over the top of the arch to hang an engine hoist off (sort of simulating studs in a garage ceiling). I will be taking it off with 4 people helping me so there will be plenty of support around the arch. 

Michael T

Is your arch fiberglass or aluminum. The fiberglass ones are pretty heavy, although a hoist and 4 friends sounds pretty good!

diggin2day1

Man-up.... Oak tree and a rope... Lol

ChillLaxin

It's aluminum MT. Diggin if I had a big tree over the boat that may just work. lol

Michael T

Aluminum is great to lift and work on. IMO you will be fine with the plan you have and Al's suggestion!

Dream_Inn

Oh yeah, I remember the days using a tree to pull engines out of boats as well.  Find the right one with a nice branch.