Bridge Clearance and Removing a Radar Arch

[cgraft]

Hello, and I feel like I have a unique situation. I am a fairly new owner of a lake house with a dock that can handle anything up to 36 feet. I have been in analysis paralysis on the cruiser to buy. My main problem is that to get out of my 5 mile stretch of the lake is that I must pass through a fixed bridge that has 12" bridge clearance at normal water levels. I am in Oklahoma and let me tell you weather is not normal HA a lot of times you may only have 6-9 foot of clearance. Anway I am being pushed by friends to go with Cobalt 293-360 because some have no radar arch and 6.5" bridge clearance. Is it possible and what is involved removing the radar arch on anything form a 280-340 Sea Ray. I love everything about the sea ray but dont want to be a prisoner to my neck of the lake.

Thank you

 

[Sundancer]

You could just add water ballast until you can squeeze under the bridge? Boltman and some others have an arch that folds down for trailering. This might be an option. It's hinged so you can lower it and then raise it back up fairly easily. I don't know what their waterline to highest point is but I'm sure they will help you out. Getting under a 12" bridge would be difficult for ANY Sea Ray! :grin: The 6 to 9 foot would be a whole lot easier!

 

[midway]

I see someone is watching what you type, :grin:, I read it as what you meant until it was pointed out. :smt043There are several on here that have a hinged arch for getting under bridges as well as for towing purposes. They should be along shortly, you may try a search on it I know that discussion has been here several times. I guess you could remove it and the attachment parts and fiberglass the holes in.

 

[cgraft]

LOL good stuff, I have also been told just get whatever boat I want load it with full fuel people and gear and push the throttles to the firewall and the boat will make itself the right height (funny).

In all serious I does anyone know what the bridge clearance for a 2004 280 would be minus the radar arch? All the googling looking for bridge clearance with Radar arch only (no radar dish, no tv annt, no satellite dish, no Lt. Dan from gump on top) is about 10ft is that correct? I would assume I could get its clearance down to 6-8 foot taking the radar arch off or going with the breakdown arch. I have never heard of that option but you referenced "boltman" I am going to research that as soon as I am done here. I am going this weekend to look at 2004 SR 280 110 hours genset etc... $65,000 about 4k over trade in. It looks and sounds like exactly what I am looking for. Thank you for you input I am all ears and taking notes.

 

[Scott1]

Check chaparral boats out.....I almost got a new 27 from them b/c its got a hinge arch option from the factory. Not sure on their bigger boats. There are nice glass shops that will hinge a sea ray arch....but its got the painfull to watch and nerve wracking to hope it performs well.

 

[KayKook]

Four Winns cruisers also have collapsible arches as an option.

 

[barryg]

I used to have a Doral, great boat, and all their arches are hinged and can be lowered and raised with the turning of a key. You might want to look into it.

Barry

 

[Nacho Boat]

Four Winns make some great cruisers, and makes their arches retractable. I can't remember, but one manufacturer is making a "powered" retractable arch. Lots of options today.....but if you are looking at a used boat, many of these options were not standard a few years back.

 

[Loneranger]

You can email sea ray corporate with any measurement that you would like on any boat and they can get that information to you. They include on their website most measurement except the waterline to the top of the arch. I needed this information a few years ago because my lift will push the arch of a larger searay into the roof of my dock. I ultimately bought one without the arch.

John

 

[SixtySevenGT]

Along the same lines I am looking to buy a fiberglass ( not steel ) arch for my Select 220 OV. :wow:

 

[chris41483]

I would like to have an arch as well, anybody know where to find one for a 2000 270DA?

 

[Bill Z]

I have a 2002 260 Sundancer for sale that does not have a radar arch. It is in immaculate condition but no generator. My boat will clear the 6 ft requirement easily. You can pm me and I will provide you info if you would like.