Arches

[cynthia]

Had anyone fitted an arch to a 34 footer? If so are there any disadvantages? Seems a good solution to all those aerials, emergency equipment and that tender which tends to act as a submarine, but surely there are drawbacks, else we'd all have one!

 

[Guest]

Cynthia, you'd be surprised at the windage created by an arch and any boat I've ever been on thats got one is a real pain in marina's when trying to moor up, it always seems to be in the way.

 

[vyv_cox]

The Sadler 34 on one of the round the world rallies featured in YM had an arch fitted. The article said that they found it to be functional for aerials etc. and very useful for other purposes, like bimini, hanging washing, etc.

The arch was all stainless, two tubes with some bracing in smaller tubing. Personally I thought it looked abominable, but I suppose that's a matter of opinion.

 

[ToMo]

I recommend....

....a good dose of 'thinking about'!

how big...where to fit...fabrication material/s - get all these right and it could well be a big plus.
Regards

ToMo

 

[steve_cronin]

Cynthia,

As you know we have a Bavaria too but ours is a 42. We have had a bimini since the boat was new and it doesn't get in the way. The uprights, which are stayed back to the taffrail with SS tube make it very stable and these near vertical parts of the frame are useful for GPS & Navtex aerials etc but wouldn't be strong enough for radar (which we consider a low priority in the Med)

Windage wasn't a problem even when traversing the Adriatic in April gales on the delivery trip. The keel on your 34 is almost as big as ours so you should'nt blow about as much.

If you can wait I will photograph a 34 in Greece with a binini so you can decide. Trip this month put off due to father's illness so next trip planned for early November. You were lucky to get Gebo's as replacements for your Rutgersons. We got direct replacements.

Steve Cronin

 

[Twister_Ken]

Theoretical disadvantage:

One. You're putting weight up high, which will raise the centre of gravity of the boat, making her more unstable, enhancing her ability to roll (and roll over). But unless you're building it with RSJs or reinforced concrete, I don't suppose the you'll even notice the difference.

Two. You're putting weight into the end of the boat, making her more likely to rock/pitch. Ditto above for actual demerits. plus your Bav has a pretty big arse so that will damp out any rock pretty quickly anyway.

Three. Windage. Which as opposed to 1 and 2 might actually make a discernible difference in areas like coming alongside in a x-wind, or motoring into a strong headwind, or trying to stop the boat when approaching a pontoon downwind.

An alternative to the arch is just a T pole, which would probably halve weight aloft and windage.

 

[cynthia]

Thanks - we're now looking at other options - the pole being the most likely. Plus getting rid of the Tinker Tramp and replacing it with a small easily stowable tender and a pushpit mounted life raft. Will still need a bimini, however, if we ever make it to the Med,

By the way, Ken, the 'floating caravan' has done around 1400 miles so far this season. Hope this meets with your approval - or does it? The patio furniture and parasol tend to get in the way above f4, so unfortunately have had to ditch them. That pub car park still sounds a good idea though! LOL Cynth

 

[Twister_Ken]

Delighted to hear it!

You've certainly chosen a popular model. Every time I go out I see more and more of them. So I guess the dastardly Bavarians are doing something right.

I trust the jacuzzi and the billiard room are being put to good use!

PS. Do you ever drop in on http://www.voy.com/27508/ ? Lots of old fiends.

 

[cynthia]

Re: Delighted to hear it!

Love the boat, mind you there are lots more of 'em on my list - most of which are live aboard blue water cruisers way out of our reach - some even have long keels! Yes, do occasionally visit the other site, but don't participate these days. Creature of habit I guess!! Good to see it's such a success though.