Radar Arch Location

LK · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:18 am Post subject: Radar Arch Location

Trying to decide on the location of a radar arch on a 25.

Most Cdory's have the radar arch located aft on the cabin roof.

Why not have the arch located forward on the cabin roof ? Seems less possibility of damage to the transducers (radar dome, gps antenna, vhf antenna, etc) from activity in the cockpit.

The radar arch was part of the promotional give-away for buying a new boat. Getting an arch height of 17" in lieu of the rod holders. Will be storing an inflated inflatable under the arch.

LK

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 10:08 am Post subject:

I have my radar arch in the back so i can put rod holders and nett holders on it. unless you are planning to take a hammer to the radar dish i don't see how having it in the back will get it hurt. I also have my gps and vhf ant. mounted there and I am able to reach up and lower them from the aft deck and do not have to walk forward to do it. a lot easier and safer.

LK · Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 12:48 am Post subject:

Thanks Susan E.

You convinced me to mount the arch in the back.

LK

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 1:41 am Post subject:

Good choice. look in my album to see how it looks on a 22.

C-Sick · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:44 am Post subject: What Product To Seal With

I am ready to install my new Radar Arch. What product should I use to seal the plates and screw holes to avoid any water entry?

Pat Anderson · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:42 am Post subject: Re: What Product To Seal With

Kirby - all holes I have drilled in two different boats, most recently a 3-3/4" hole and 6 little screw holes in the cabin roof for the solar vent, have been sealed/caulked with 3M 5200. This is a great combination adhesive / caulking,

rogerbum · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 10:59 am Post subject: Re: What Product To Seal With

C-Sick · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:41 pm Post subject: 3M 5200

Pat, Roger

Thanks for the feedback. I plan to bolt through with backing plates.

Any tricks to working with 5200. Is there any margin of error if you get it on part of the gel coat where you don 't want it etc.

I am so excited aboutl having the arch. Unfortuately being a poor man I am going with the 1623 Furuno Radar but heck it is radar just not sexy.

C-Sick · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 1:05 pm Post subject: Hardware Question

I am going out to buy the hardware on Saturday. Anybody know what size bolt and style of nut to use.

I am planning on using as SS Hex (don't know for sure length) with nylon washers, and nylon nut.

Anybody know exact bolt diminsions?

rogerbum · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:59 pm Post subject: Re: 3M 5200

Sealife · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 7:07 pm Post subject:

I agonized long and hard about this. Visited my new boat in Seattle at the facory yesterday and took her for a short shakedown. I'm happy with the decision I made to position it aft, and to go for the lower model. It looks great and is very functional. In my case I hardly ever carry an inflated dingy, so the higher arch was not necessary. The lower version comes with 4 rod holders, providing storage for nets, rods, etc.. It is very sturdy and a first class installation.

Recommendation: The thru bolts don't need more than large washers as there is very little stress on it, but the bolts should be capped with acorn nuts as they are just overhead on the port side.

Mike - Sealife

C-Sick · Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2005 5:30 pm Post subject: Drilling that first hole

I picked up the 3M 5200 fast drying caulk today. I am going to have to drill the first pilot hole to determine what size SS bolts I will need. I plan to use SS backing plate and SS acorn locking nuts with the nylon threads and nylon washers.

YIKES

Any other suggestions before I take the fiberglass plunge?

TyBoo · Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2005 5:52 pm Post subject:

Here's a little tip for using that 3M 5200. Acetone cuts it really well before it is completely cured. It's great for clean up, and it won't hurt the gelcoat. If you want a bead around whatever you're attaching, you can wet your fingertip with acetone, and use your finger to shape and contour the exposed caulk. (Don't let Rogerbum see you put acetone on your bare skin - he's a biologist or something.) If you need just a little of the stuff, you can swipe your wife's fingernail polish remover. A little bit on a rag does a lot of clean up if you wipe the big stuff off first.

There have been lots of good ideas posted to keep from chipping the gelcoat when drilling the fiberglass. Masking tape seems to be real popular. I use a coutersink bit to either drill the hole thru or cut away the gelcoat to a little larger diameter than the finished hole will be. If you just stick a sharp drill thru the glass without thinking about it, you will get some ugly chips in the pretty surface. YIKES is right!

Have fun!

Mike

My IRA · Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2005 6:29 pm Post subject:

Quick tip #1 when working with 3M 5200, have several paper towels and a can of WD-40. Works great for cleaning exess stuff from around the sealed area and from your hands as well.

Just be careful not to get it under the seal or you wont have a seal, WD-40 dissolves uncured 5200 with ease. Very Happy