Leak Integrity of radar arches

[Sealife]

My new cruiser is equipped with the new low radar arch. All the wiring runs through the arch down into the cabin, but it seems to be wide open to the weather. With the rainy season approaching, I'm concerned that water can easily find it's way into the cabin through the arch. Normally, grommets are used to seal these openings for wires, but there is one that is oval shaped and fairly large, that I don't think I'm going to be able to find a grommet for. Any suggestions on how to seal such a large opening?

[Not For Hire]

Mike, I have that radar arch. When I pulled the wires through I also pulled a 1/8 inch nylon line through to use as a future "fish tape." I know the oval opening you mean. I sealed the smaller openings with caulk. I put a piece of duct tape over the oval opening (nice camo duct tape though). Works fine. If I didn't need the future access I might have done something more permanent. Kind of miss the wind whistle though. Will be interested in other replies.

Your comments about the rainy season make me wonder if you are a Delta dog. I have friends in Davis. Bone dry April to October. Last October I was there, and crusing the Delta in an open boat, when they had their first "winter" storm.

Regards, Mark

[Sealife]

Thanks, Mark, for the suggestion. Here's another suggestion I got on the C-DOGS site

Link edited by Da Nag

[k3nlind]

On the subject od radar arches... I would like to get one... any recommendations?

[Sealife]

Just two types to consider, low and high. The low looks better, in my opinion, and the high permits an inflatable to be carried beneath it. Both are quality made, heavy stainless tubing.

[k3nlind]

Gee... OK. Where do I get one?

[Sealife]

Just call the C-Dory factory for more info and prices.

[flapbreaker]

[k3nlind]

thanx...

[SENSEI]

there is another aspect to think about.
My radar arch is a little wider and the bolts and hole for the wiring are outside the walls of the cabin on the overhang of the roof.then you can route the cable in from the front under the brow with a cable clam to seal the hole

I bought my arch from Bolton Stainless up in Canada. they are,or were, the mfg. of all the bow railings for C-Dory.the # for their shop is 250/545-6226. they delivered it to the US when they brought a delivery to CD and I just met them at the freeway along the way.

[Sea Wolf]

Roger- Yup, that's how my radar, radio antenna cables, horn wiring, and lighting wiring is done. Goes right through the top of the brow with neat looking grommets, then down into the electronics shelf area after having passed through the bulkhead above the window. Leaves the inside cabin roof clear of all the wiring except at the very rear of the cabin where the external lighting wiring passes up to the center of the cabin, then out to and under the lip of the roof and then to the fixtures. Very clean indeed.

Even the bow pulpit mounted remote controlled searchlight has it's wiring hidden in the stainless tubing of the structure. The entrance hole of the wiring was sealed with silicone, but not the exit inside the cabin under the stanchion so one could tell if the entrance seal was leaking, and to avoid trapping water in between. Joe.

[Sealife]

Won't work on Sealife. The new arches are installed aft at the rear of the cabin. Longer run for the wiring after entering the cabin, but that rear placement allows them to provide rod holders. Also makes for a nice assist bar for boarding. All the wiring enters the cabin through a hole beneath the arch supports. Its pretty neat, and the stainless work is substantial.

Roger (Fishtales) suggested I try cutting a peice of foam insulation to fit, then attaching it in place with silicone sealant. Sounds like it might work....I'm not sure how weatherproof it would be.

[C-Hawk]

Mike-

We use this stuff all the time to seal joints in pre-cast panels on the exterier of buildings. Just use the foam as a backing rod (inside the SS tube) and cover with sealant.