1997 Aquasport Explorer Radar Arch

[czizza]

Any of you guys have this installed or a similar one?

http://www.fishonsports.com/140.html

What to use it for lights and a radar mount.

Thanks,
-Melo

[TheKid]

I bought one last month when they had the Cpt Package for $600.

Haven't installed it yet. Looks OK for the price I got it for. Some of teh rod holders are not straight. The detents for rotating them are off.

For the price. It's acceptable.

[czizza]

When you do get it installed send me some pictures, if you don't mind. Thank.

[czizza]

Okay I went with Atlantic Towers and I have to say the quality looks very good. I checked the welds and they are really tight. I have been welding for about 20 years on and off and these look good, tight nickles that's all I can say.

If it fits like the weld this is going to look sweet!  :afro:

Here is how it shows up:


Here are the parts:


Here is good the welds look:


Here is another angle (they must use a rotating jig because it is too even):


Here is a plate weld:


Can't wait to install this.
-Melo

[Capt. Bob]

This should be interesting.

Another member (Capt. Bill) had a 215 EX with an arch and off the arch he had a Bimini top.
Very sharp look as opposed to just the standard top and different than a hard top.



Good luck.

[wingtime]

I was considering one of these for my 200XF before I sold it.  I can't wait to see the pics.

[TheKid]

This is what my plans are too. TowerBimini the original is located right here in San Miguel CA.

You can get them in aluminum or stainless too.


So far, the FishonSport tower is solid. I did have to fab my own mounts from 2" bar stock. But it is solid and looks good.

Thinking about adding a hammock seat for those rolly days drift fishing.

[bondobill]

I went with a shorter top. Out here in the PNW, when the sky opens up, you want as much sun as you can get.
It snaps to the arch and can be removed.
Tops going on 15 years old, time for a new one....... if I keep her that long.
Probably change things up a little on the top if I decide to redo it.





Bill

[Capt. Bill]

Had mine done at a place called Metal Creations in Lakewood NJ.  The arch is a custom built, one piece, solid aluminum, with the bimini attached. He builds them one at a time per the customers specs.  One problem I was finding is biminis mount under the arch on standard installations. The bimini is suppose to be 7' or something over the deck.  With the  arch over the top, it puts the rod holders too high to reach from the deck. With the top of my arch at the minimum hieght I can get the rods down quickly and it makes a great hang on spot for passengers who stand why under way.  

I can't remember what the arch cost by itself, but it was slightly more than Atlantic Towers which was $1100.  I had mine installed (I ain't real good with measurements lol) so the bill included labor.  It was a little over $3000, I do remember the bimini being an $800 add on, as was the rod holders. They were $75 each and you could put as many as you wanted.

[czizza]

Installation progress as slow as possible ... damn family obligations ... Daughters prom, buried the date in the back yard, Son letters from Parris Island for marine training    ... when does it end  :twisted:

Just kidding, I don't mind slow when it comes to my kids  :sunny:

Anyway here are the money shots:

My honey holding it up so we can see if we are good on the width:


Laying down (I bought the fold away hinges):


Here is how I installed the swivel hinge:


Plenty of marine water tight sealant.

-Melo

[czizza]

Got the arch up today, I still need to finish off some of the last few parts. I know it looks a little high but that is because of the bimini, when you fold it back it is up to the top.



Here are the connections into the helm:


Here is how it looks from the front:


I had to bend the front fork in on both sides because the helm narrows in the front:


Side view:


The back view:


From the top of the Arch to the ground is 13.5 ft, I need to re-verify with a level but this should be well bellow the road max.

Thanks,
-Melo

[Capt. Bob]

Looks good Melo.

I'm curious about the front mounting "hinge". Doe's the pipe just separate at that point or do you disassemble the connection?
Photo would be nice.

Enjoy.

[czizza]

Capt Bob,

Here is a shot of the front hinge looking at it from the front of the boat:



Dead on view:


Here is the key out:


-Melo

[Capt. Bob]

Ah,
Quick release pin.
I was very close (well not financially) in buying their walk around top. They claimed it only weighed 68# if I remember correctly. I didn't pursue it because of the height. This may be the answer.

Thanks.

[czizza]

Just showing the progress:







Lights:


All wiring is done, just need to clam shell and finish up my grommet: