Radar arch

[aleaddict]

Last year I bought a used 26' Billfisher that has the radar antenna mounted to the front of the fly bridge. (It's the only thing I didn't like about the rigging). I plan to upgrade the radar to a Furuno 1724C and would like to relocate the antenna to a radar arch. What is the best way to attach a "folding arch" and can anyone recommend a supplier? The boat is located in Alamitos Bay (Long Beach). I would even consider fabricating my own if someone had a set of plans to work from. Many thanks.

-- Brian

[NoSlack]

Here is what my Bro in-law did on for my 23'. he's down here in San Diego







I save the Autocad drawings as Microsoft Office Doccuments image. Open them up and zoom in to get my measurements.

Arch front view

Arch side/folded view

[aleaddict]

Thanks, NoSlack. That's exactly what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, I can not open the .mdi files that you have linked inside this thread. Can you save them as a .sat file instead? (I am using Solid Works as my CAD program).

It looks like your Bro in-law used stainless for his arch, or is that aluminum? (I can't see the welds very well). I may give you a call the next time I head down south, if that's okay. Very nice setup, m' friend ! !

-- Brian

[NoSlack]

Bro in-law prefers to work in stainless. Light gauge stainless is stronger than schedule 40 aluminum and only weighs a little more when the project is done.

The welds are hard to see in the pictures, most are 1/8" or less in width. He cut and fits everything up very tight and welds it out without and filler rod.

I can save the my cad drawing as .dwg or .dxf at home. When I get back to the office I'll see if AutoCAD 2006 give me more options

Call or stop by any time your in town.

Mike

EDIT: I think you need Microsoft Office 2003 to open them with the links. Do you have Volo View? if not I think it's free to download. http://www.softpedia.com/get/Science...-Express.shtml I can email them to you in cad format and you can open them with Volo View.

[aleaddict]

Mike --

I'm using Office 2000 so that probably explains the file extension problem. I tried opening it using VoloView at work, but it is an older version and didn't recognize the .mdi extension. If you can save it as a .sat file or .sldprt (if AutoCAD 2006 will allow it), I can work within the model. Even a .step or .igs file would also probably work just as well. Otherwise, a 2-D .dwg or .dfx will be fine.

The stainless frame looks great ! ! All the prefab radar arches I've seen on the web are aluminum but I much prefer SS over Al. I have a Miller Syncrowave 250 TIG welder in the garage plus other metalsmithing equipment and tools, so this project is not too far over my ability. All I need is a "road map" to get it started.

BTW, I particularly like how the Bimini top attaches to the arch, and how it rests on the outrigger post in the down position. Nice touch !

-- Brian

[NoSlack]

I email the two cad file to the address in your profile. You can veiw them at work with Volo View.

Mike

[aleaddict]

Thanks, Mike. I received the files. These drawings are V-E-R-Y helpful ! !

-- Brian