"Radar Tower" (arch)

[gyroplanes]

In the interest of making my more trailerable, I'd like to toss the console mast crutch and make an arch (tower) to hold the mast roller, provide a higher antenna mount, and a place for the stowed bimini to strap to.

Any ideas? Any examples? Any source for materials?
I have a tubing bender and TIG welder and moderate skills with each.

I promise to photo document the manufacture of the arch, should I follow through, and share the project here on the board.

[K9Kampers]

I often visualize the "tower" found on wakeboarding boats, mounted on my . Swept forward, it could be outfitted with a traveller, or swept aft could be of use for dinghy davits. Solar panels and / or a hard bimini as options too.

[FinallySailing]

In the interest of making my more trailerable, I'd like to toss the console mast crutch and make an arch (tower) to hold the mast roller, provide a higher antenna mount, and a place for the stowed bimini to strap to.

Any ideas? Any examples?

Do you mean like this ?

http://www.macgregor26x.com/forum/viewt ... =8&t=13787

[bartmac]

Having done what you are talking about....bought off Ebay a "Bertram" powerboat radar arch made for a wider bigger boat(1" SS tubing),cut the centre out(rejoined using SS bimini joiners/mounts),new feet brackets(long picking up both uprights) to suit the cockpit combing and Voila!...works a treat,standing room under it ,on top 6 x 20 watt solar panels on the curved upper surface,led stick on lights underneath,a bimini mounted on the inside which opens to the main sheet which in combination with the solar panels makes lots of shade (a second bimini is now mounted forward of the main sheet and overhangs the dodger allowing 2 bimini's and a dodger while sailing/motoring/caravaning),in the middle of the arch a mast "rest" high enough to allow head height even with the mast down (in combo with a front mast height bracket ) allowing front hatch to be opened with mast down.Mounting for a anchor light ,aerials x 2,cockpit lighting etc etc all done thru the arch legs ....I know photo would help but the Mac is all wrapped up for its winter sleep.
The full width of this is also a plus rather than the picture example...last thing Id want to do is further restrict rear access around the motor etc...we use our Mac as a caravan when not floating so a lot of our mods are dual purpose

[Crikey]

Highlander, (on this site) has a very nice utility arch fabricated.

[Gazmn]

I hope u can blow the picture up - not my boat

My PO made a radar arch. Made of 1" SS, that supports a mast while traveling, a radar on the rear starboard side and I balance a solar panel on it while on the water & a makeshift davit for my kayak. pic to follow

[Ormonddude]

OK OK How about a Tuna Tower? LOL Its a really cool and usable structure I had a T-top Idea for solar panels but this is a lot more Practical in a lot of ways.

[Boblee]

This is mine not a good photo as it looks like the arch is a bit flimsy which it isn't.


Very handy it has a few other additions to it since this photo was taken including a floodlight.

[Billy]

Here are links to the two best examples I have seen for an X:

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/s ... &start=255

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/s ... &start=240

(hope this works)

[MountainSailor]

I have this boat now. I really like this setup. The previous owner did the work and a nice job of it it.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ewimg=1670

It keeps the mast very high out of the way for the most part in the cockpit. Is too high to go in most typical garages this way, but not an issue for me.

I'm considering solar panels for the top.

[K9Kampers]

re: MountainSailor's photo; ... Now that's what I'm talking about!!!

[DaveB]

The MacX has the stern railings port and starboard, I would disconnect those railings and add a custom built system for a dingy davit, solar panels and other mounting hardware. The X railings at mounting is perfect for this for shear force.
I have two 40 watt panals that I am designing brackets for a platform for them and also a dingy lift.
The system will angle far aft for the dingy and headroom entering boat. It also will include Bimini attachments and for folding so one can trailersail on water or sea without removeing it.
The Key point of attachment is from original rail as it has side and aft locations to give proper aft and side supports.
Projection at side is no more than original as this is important for docking at piles.
The end results will be a low profile light weight system that allows for dingy davit, solar panels, stearn lights, anchor light , mast support when trailering and Antina mounts and other things that may be needed.
I would do this in 1 inch stainless tubing, weight would be around 80 lbs includeing my two panels. minus the counsel mast suport and exsisting railings.
Since Bimini will be attached aft. the rear tubeing can also be aliminated reduceing further weight.
The main arms will be 1-1/4 inch tubes bent over aft so the 1inch tube slides in the end with 2 quick release pins so one can raise dink than pull in above motor and pin.
Dave

In the interest of making my more trailerable, I'd like to toss the console mast crutch and make an arch (tower) to hold the mast roller, provide a higher antenna mount, and a place for the stowed bimini to strap to.

Any ideas? Any examples? Any source for materials?
I have a tubing bender and TIG welder and moderate skills with each.

I promise to photo document the manufacture of the arch, should I follow through, and share the project here on the board.

[Nautek]

Dave

Will love to se some photos when you are finished

Allan

[keith]

Had this made for my ex worked a treat

[DaveB]

Problem mouting brackets in line is you need cross braceing to suport structure. The MacX stern rail has that with the side and stern bracket. all you need is to use same holes for mounting your higher Bridge.
The Macx has a wrap around rail that is supported at 90 degree angles to support stress at any angle.
Think about this, the support does not exceed the beam , and gives ridgid support for lateral stress.
Dave

Had this made for my ex worked a treat