Hinged arch

Wow that was much appreciated. I would love to have the hydraulic feature but with the additional cost involved I really can operate it manually. I guess I really need to determine if I can gain 18" of clearance by doing this?
 
I'll try to take a couple of reference pics that'll may help you determine your ultimate reduction in height. For example, fully down, the leading edge of my arch is a few inches above the cabin door. From there, measuring vertically the fore-aft dimension of the top of the arch gives me my overall clearance. Of course the geometries will be different due to different boats, but hopefully I can help you get a close approximation.

Personally, I would have thought it was more than 13" of improvement, but then I actually measured it.

(Ironically, I'm in the process of spec'ing a garage similar to yours and will be forced to a 14' door, despite having the hinged arch.)


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I'm the proud owner of the 340 referenced earlier in this thread with the factory installed electrically actuated arch. I've got linear actuators under each side of the arch in the access/storage locations. I couldn't tell you the exact construction of the hinge though.

My thoughts on the folding arch:
1.) After a while (or immediately?) you will notice water can find it's way into the seam at the bottom of the arch. No hinge will provide as nice a fit as a factory non-hinged arch. Though if your parking under cover or wrapped this probably doesn't really matter. It's not a big deal since these storage locations drain directly into the bilge. But it does impact what you choose to store in there.

2.) Depending on your canvas/bimini configuration using the arch can be a royal PITA. On my 340 the forward sunshade has supports that attach to the windshield. To use the arch these have to be removed. This basically means you're removing the entire forward sunshade. This explains why my boat came with "brand new canvas" and a heavily used cockpit cover. The prior owner parked in a garage and quickly learned putting up and taking down the sunshade was no way to go through life.
 
stephenm27 said:
For example, fully down, the leading edge of my arch is a few inches above the cabin door.
Click to expand...

Like you said the clearance picked up with the folding arch probably varies wildly from model/year.

My arch has a support pocket at forward center that aligns with another pocket installed in the floor just starboard of the cabin door, near the helm. There is a pole that provides support when down.

I'm betting I'd get closer to 24" pickup in clearance with my arch down. Total guess though....and that excludes the radar dome.
 
PM sent.....

For the other members who are curious, I did design a hinged arch system for my 340, but never executed, as it turned out I had just enough clearance to bring the boat home each winter without it (but it was close!). My design incorporated an o-ring into the hinge, so that when the arch was up, no water could penetrate the system, and work its way into the bilge. The hinges will add about 1/2" to 3/4" of height to the arch.

Actuation can be either electric, with linear actuators, or hydraulic.

So, it is possible to design and build a system to do this, but it's on a custom basis, and the parts won't be cheap. How badly do you want it?

Dale
 
Tblair said:
I have thought about a good cover or shrinking but j really like to do all my own maintenance and like to do all my upgrades over the winter and my polebarn is heated. I'd just love to be able to utalize that. I may just remove the arch completely for this winter if I'm not able to complete this in time.
Click to expand...

I can't argue with that! I tore out the floor, some bulkheads and parts of stringers, then re-built everything on my Grady a few Winters ago. I built a frame for the shrink wrap so the boat ended up looking like a big box. I installed shoplights and even had a small heater. It actually worked quite well, but it sure would have been nice if I could have gotten it in my garage.

I did a quick "titles only" search for "hinged arch" and got this: http://clubsearay.com/search.php?searchid=1962711 I looked quickly at the second one (the first one is yours) and there's a guy or two in there (along with the help you're getting in your thread) that talk about their experience, along with a couple pics.
 
Ok, so I brought the boat home this afternoon and managed to snap a few pics before sundown. Please forgive the unwashed condition--much rain here lately. I can post more, including ER and pump mounting tomorrow when I start my pre-weekend checks.

Note this pic shows the arch in the "not all the way down" position as we have the mooring cover on. With the cover off, it hinges another 6 or so inches down.









 
That is EXACTLY what I want. I wish we knew who did that. Heck I would even be happy with if it was manual. Beautiful boat BTW! When your in there snapping pics get a few of the hinge too if you don't mind. Also the others you spoke of would be perfect too because I'd love to get this thing at least hinged then get it inside and could take my time this winter "indoors" figuring out the pumps, Rams mounts...etc. thank you for the pics
 
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My two cents...I believe I would impale myself (or at least one small child) on that hinge pin within 2 hours of operating that boat! Nice looking setup though...
 
Tblair said:
I wish we knew who did that.
Click to expand...

I'll send an email to the broker who represented the PO and see if he may be able to shed some light (or even reach out to the PO on my behalf). Worst case is he won't answer...best case, I might get some info on who did the mod/fab/installation (something I've always said I'd like to know, too).

sdm
 
Tblair said:
Has anyone ever hinged the arch in a 2006-2008 290 sundancer? On the trailer the boat is 13' 5". I want to put the boat in my storage building with a 12' door. I'm aware that I would need to have a stainless hinge made and a good fiberglass guy to reenforce the arah and repair. No one produces these hinges correct? Any advise on this subject would be appreciated.
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Contact Craig Pomerville 419-450-0670 he just had his arched hinged on his Formula 37 PC. He has all the info you need. You wont be disappointed.
 
Contact Craig Pomerville. 419-450-0670 he just hinged his arch on a Formula 37 PC. Had a guy in Michigan do it. You wont be disappointed
 
There were a few guys here that hinged their arches. Right now I can only think of one, CSR's Boltman. He hinged the arch on his 320DA.
boltmanshinge.jpg
 

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As requested, some more of the arch pump and pivot hinge:

















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Sorry guy I wasn't on here for a few days. I really appreciate the pics and the contact info. I will call the individual in Michigan and also if you happen to get any contact info from the broker let me know. You guys are all a great help.
 
Unfortunately the broker has not responded at this point...no surprise really given his (lack of) attentiveness during the sale process but was hoping he'd turned over a new leaf.

If I do hear anything from him, I'll pass it along here...


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There is a place in Michigan called Barrett boat works that hinges arches. I saw some photos that were examples of their work and the hinges and setup looks exactly like your. That might be who did it.
 
I just purchased a 2004 Sundancer 320 and have the same issue the garage that I store my boat in for the winter has too low of a ceiling or door to fit in with the Arch. I am looking for info on how to unbolt the arch first off and then if anyone has ever hinged one and if so who did it?
I have a friend that made one for his Regal but the arch on his boat is Aluminum so it was done at a metal fabrication shop. I also have seen the factory hinges on the Doral boats that work nice.
I have the ability to lift the arch but I need to know how it comes off and how to get to the bolts without breaking anything.
SeaRay does a nice job with fit and finish, too nice as you can't find the fasteners!
Thanks for any help you can lend.
Bob
 
Does anyone know if they sell a hinge kit that would bolt on. I don't live in or near MI??
happy thanksgiving
 
Is it possible to modify the wheels or trailer to lower it. I see tiny (relative) wheels on monster trucks for transport.


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