My Potential Custom Arch Design

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 6:44 pm

Yeah, that looks really good. Congrats on a great project!

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 9:18 pm

a friend has an 11 meter experess with the factory arch AND a hypalon top that is attached to aluminul tubes, permanently mounted as in the new BLACKJACK - Kudos Doug Nash.

I hated the canvas that came with my 10 meter. Cloas in the front and you cannot stand at the helm.

Want to stand, O.K. just unzip this half moon and stick your head out, can't see the guages, too bad, and also tough $hat if it's raining. Otherwise feel free to use it on a hot, sunny day. With it attaching atthe top of the windslield you have ZERO breeze, unless it's a cross wind, so bake in the sun or cook in the shade.

I originally thought the factory arch AND hypalon was the way I wanted to go, however on a nice day, it really is great to lay that canvas all the way back for full sun AND the feeling of an open sky. Likewise on an evening cruise, the stars, moon and open heavens make for a great sunset and a wide open convertible feel.

Fishing? How to deal with that issue as well?

So here's my compromise.

1. Canvas forward is extended so the forward rail is extended beyond the windshield and remains high enough to stand on the teak folding step and run the boat. The effect is like an early 1950's automobile external sun visor. The result? standing operation as needed, air can come in from all 4 sides so we don't cook in the summer and isenglass snap in/zipoper in panels in case of rain. Plus additional snap in/zipper in white mesh "gause" sun covers to keep the sun and dirt out but to let eveything brerather and not get too hot.

2. All the forward canvas and rails are hinged to fold back all the way to the arch where the entire arrangement, tubes and all can be laid back at the arch and covered with a boot. The result? Instant convertible.

3. A 3 piece drop curtain with isenglass and zippers (not yet built) will be added to seal out the forward cockpit easily and quickly when running in the rain.

4. A standard bimini camper top from the rear of the arch to the area above the ttransom. This allows us to stand under it and to add clear isenglass sdes when it rains or when it's cold as may hapen at the Xmas boat parade. This unit can be unzipped from the arch , rolled up and enclosed in it's own boot.

Additionally it has quick disconnects so it can be totally removed at the bases when going out for a fishing excursion when we lod uop th eportable 30 gallon livewell that is also atttached to the deck with quick disconnects and utilized the factory raw water washdown fittingin the hull.

This express cruiser is truly a boat for all seasons and all reasons. Fish, cruise, overnight, dinghy, cook food, anchor out, explore an island, plenty of fuel, fresh water, sanitation system nice HVAC, 2 fridges, an icemaker, wetbar, air compressor for the airr toys and dinghy, plenty of rod holders and rod storage, portable livewell with cutting board on top, let's see, have I missed anything?

From a practiacl standpoint the factory arch worked very well for my uses and the cusatom canvawas far more versitile AND less costly than any replacement aluminum tube/hypalon combination I could come up with.

I'll see about posting some pix shortly.

Hope this helps you in your own personal evaluation for your needs.

RWS

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 9:31 pm

RWS

Natchamp · Post by **Natchamp** » Fri Nov 25, 2011 9:43 am

RWS,

Now that's a nice setup! Gives me a lot of great ideas and functionality to think about. Much appreciated.