adding radar to boat without arch or tower???

True North

True North

Member
Sep 11, 2012
165
Live: DeWitt, MI,West Michigan (Ludington)
Boat Info
2005 SR 260DA
350 MAG MPI
Bravo 3
Engines
(1) 350 MAG MPI w/Bravo III
sold my last boat that had a tower with radar. Because my tower could fold down, I didn't realize that any newer sea rays that I was interested in (280's, 290's and 300's) all have permanent arches. I also came to realize that none of those with arches would fit in either of my storage units, and considering I have free heated wintertime storage it was important to me to keep this ability. Therefore we went smaller with a 2005 Sundancer 260 without an arch. I want to be able to add an integrated electronics package (chartplotter/radar/fishfinder) and see there are many good choices, however I am having a hard time finding info on installation tactics for installing radar (broadband or regular) on a boat without an arch (or tower). Anybody have any suggestions or seen others who may have similar set up? I'm really not interested in doing another tower asthetically with this boat as it will be more pleasure and less fishing, but want the option to be out on the big water (Great Lakes) safely with my family, thus the need for radar. I have heard about some who installed a gunnel rod holder, then put a radardome on a mast in the rod holder, but that seems a little WT set up for such a nice boat. Any thoughts or recommendations? TIA.
 
either a radar mast in the rear corner (could be removable) or a hinged arch (could have done this with a factory arch or could have an aluminum arch made thats hinged)
 
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I've seen some radars on posts that sit above eye level.
 
If it is aesthetics that concern you, you may want to see if you can get a fold down stainless or aluminum arch that goes over your canvas to mount it to. Could add speakers to it like a wakeboard tower.
 
And get a broadband radar, far less radiation (and power draw) so you don’t have to be concerned about that.
 
That's what I had on my last boat (see signature pic), but I was trying to think outside of the box of a way to do it without having to purchase/install a tower? Didn't know if there were any creative ways to add an attachment to the top of the windshield, or something like that??? And yes, broadband for sure unless I end up putting on an arch/tower of some sort.....

I looked into having the arch hinged, and I read the posts (boltman) that had it done, but between the expense and not having the confidence for someone to do a good job, it just doesn't seem like the route I wanted to take, thus the reason we settled on a 260 without an arch.

Any other thoughts? TIA
 
Following. I have a 240 without an arch. But, want something to put antennas on. Resolved to try an aluminum folding arch. I have emailed two different reputable companies in the last couple weeks. NOBODY has responded. Guess I will have to call during the day some time.
 
soooo........if an aluminum fold-down style arch is the only way to go for installing radar, what are some reputable companies that can design/build such an arch? The one I had on my last boat had no indication who manufactured it and was on the boat when I bought it. I looked into monster tower and atlantic towers. Any other good and maybe local (Michigan) manufactures? Thank you.
 
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There is a small company in Holland or Zeeland that made aluminum arches for Tiara/Pursuit that are very high quality and also a good value. I used them to refit my 1986 WE. Don't remember the name but if they are still around, someone in the industry should be able to help you locate them. After I had them build an arch, that type of arch started showing up on lots of boats of that era. Cost at the time was $1500 installed.
 
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OK.....I did a quick search and the best fabricator in West Michigan is Towers Unlimited of West Michigan. They are based in Zeeland and do very high quality work. They have numerous photos of projects on their website and will know how to solve your problem.
 
awesome, thank you so much for the information, I will look them up and report back. I currently have Atlantic Towers writing me up a quote as well. Now that I am ending up going with a fold down tower, I kind of wished I stayed with a bigger boat....but will only be for a few years until the kids are off to college right? LOL Thanks again!
 
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I looked at Atlantic Towers when I redid my Sea Ray. They were more expensive and their materials and welds were not very impressive. The Zeeland company welds were absolutely perfect in appearance, and when shipping and installation was factored in, they were considerably less expensive. The final product looked like a brand new tower on a brand new Pursuit leaving the Tiara factory. Many folks copied what we did and those boats are still around West Michigan.
 
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I was able to locate a couple of pix that show the design and if you look closely, the buttery welds.
 
I contacted both Atlantic and Zeeland. Both seem like good companies to work with, but I want a tower that has the curved forward appearance that mimics the OEM arch look, so that of course jumps the cost up significantly. I think I am going to end up going with Zeeland, but he can't get to it until closer to the end of the season (he's building an entire metal hulled boat). So I'd say he knows what he's doing! Thanks for the tip/info on this option.
 
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True North said:
I contacted both Atlantic and Zeeland. Both seem like good companies to work with, but I want a tower that has the curved forward appearance that mimics the OEM arch look, so that of course jumps the cost up significantly. I think I am going to end up going with Zeeland, but he can't get to it until closer to the end of the season (he's building an entire metal hulled boat). So I'd say he knows what he's doing! Thanks for the tip/info on this option.
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Post a pic of the finished install. Good luck with it.
 
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