I'm very interested in mounting a radar arch, and for several reasons other than to just mount my GPS radar. I have a 2002 Ciera 2655, and I have the full window/bimini top set that all snaps together. I would like to install a radar arch to have the luxury of several items and I'll explain why.1) Each time I go out, I have to manually rotate up the GPS radar mount that is horizontal when I'm prior to going underway. That isn't much of a pain in the pass, but sometimes the mount when I tighten it becomes loose, and it bounces back and forth and the cord/wire smacks up against the boat.2) Since the option is there, I'd also like to put a mounted permanent light, where I don't have to keep going in the cabin and getting the light and shoving it in the pre-mounted hole in the center of the aft. This isn't also a big deal, but would decrease time since I go out at night a lot. Also.. the height of the light, can only be seen from the rear. If I have the bimini top up and sides on (if its raining) no one from the front of the boat can see it, and it's very bright and almost blinding if I'm on the back of the boat relaxing drinking a beer at night. It's just too bright since it's almost at eye level.3) Speakers.. yes, speakers. I would LOVE to have some mounted speakers for those loud obnoxious days when I find myself in the water, and can barely hear anything. The 2655 was definitely not built as a party, get out and dance, boat. There are only 2 speakers above the cabin, and in the cabin. They are not very centrally located either.. meaning, if you are in the cabin, they are at the very front of the bow and directly next to each other (not a smart spot in my opinion). The other 2 speakers are on either side of the aft, but still don't really pack a punch. I've looked into finding alternate spots to mount then, but you'd have to give up space and to run these wires seems like a major pain. If I were to mount speakers on the tower, this would instantly solve my problem.4) I have a beautiful Guest 501A light that I haven't installed yet, that would go GREAT on the arch, and it has a wireless remote that I can move around to capture any side of the boat, as opposed to mounting it on the front, and being restricted to only lighting my way in the dark, as opposed to either sides of the boat.With these options and the research I've done, I have found 2 options.One being, http://www.atlantictowers.com. They seem to have great arch mounts that bolt right in, and are ADJUSTABLE.. which is very nice in the event that you are stupid at reading at measurements. Fairly affordable at around $1499 including free shipping (very nice). The only thing I have a problem with is that they are skeleton type, meaning they aren't solid white, but instead aluminum and see through? if you will. Here is an image that I can attach of a 2655 with it on there.
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25742-radar1.jpg[/img]
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25743-radar2.jpg[/img]
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25744-radar3.jpg[/img]
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25745-radar4.jpg[/img]Second, I've noticed a lot of the natural style archs where they look very 'stock' or pre-determined, and are found on many of the longer, newer styles. I'll attach a pic here:
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25746-radararch.jpg[/img]There isn't much different in price between the two, most of these styles run anywhere from $1500-$2k. Mostly found on eBay though.. and are not adjustable.What I'm asking is.. has anyone done either one? If so, which one did you go with? Is the natural style radar arch easy to install? and is it better looking with this style boat? Does the aluminum arch's tend to take away from the boat's beauty? Would it be hard to install speakers into the white natural style opposed to the aluminum?Thanks in advance for the responses. This is something I'd love to do before the season kicks off, since it's a bit of a project. PLEASE give me feedback if you'd done this or know someone that has.. THANK YOU!!!
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25742-radar1.jpg[/img]
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25743-radar2.jpg[/img]
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25744-radar3.jpg[/img]
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25745-radar4.jpg[/img]Second, I've noticed a lot of the natural style archs where they look very 'stock' or pre-determined, and are found on many of the longer, newer styles. I'll attach a pic here:
[img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/667458=25746-radararch.jpg[/img]There isn't much different in price between the two, most of these styles run anywhere from $1500-$2k. Mostly found on eBay though.. and are not adjustable.What I'm asking is.. has anyone done either one? If so, which one did you go with? Is the natural style radar arch easy to install? and is it better looking with this style boat? Does the aluminum arch's tend to take away from the boat's beauty? Would it be hard to install speakers into the white natural style opposed to the aluminum?Thanks in advance for the responses. This is something I'd love to do before the season kicks off, since it's a bit of a project. PLEASE give me feedback if you'd done this or know someone that has.. THANK YOU!!!
Comment