Removing P35 Radar Arch - Easy?

[Avalon]

How easy is it to remove the radar arch from a Princess 35 and lash it down for transport? Is it something that a couple of people could do easily and painlessly in a couple of hours with a few spanners and screwdrivers? Obviously if some of the wires are too short that will present some issues, but apart from that is it a DIY job? Or should we get the yard people to do it?

Thanks.

 

[rafiki_]

I took the radar tower off my Azimut last year for the road trip from the Hamble to Portishead. This is a steel structure mounted to the radar arch. It was a real pain. The screws came out easily enough, but there is a lot of sealant to restrict water ingress. I cut through as much of this as I could access with my knife, and ended in A&E as a result of slicing myself several times. I had to apply more force than I really liked to shift it, and nearly lost the thing off the back of the boat as a result. I would not do this again, but get a pro to do it.

 

[Avalon]

Thanks. That sounds like a painful experience. On the P35 the radar arch is GRP not steel but I assumed it just bolted on - I hadn't considered the possibility that it might be stuck up with loads of sealant. I guess I'll get the yard to do it, unless it's obviously straightforward when I get there. Boat is in Spain so I can't just pop down and have a look.

 

[Divemaster1]

Not sure how easy it is to get into the flybridge shell, but arch itself looks fixed to this ... and the flybridge stanchions are fastened to the radar arch.

If you can get in there (through speaker holes), then loosening should be relatively easy .... but without looking at the details of your specific boat it is difficult to assess ... could not the marina staff take some pictures and send to you for objective assessment ?

 

[capsco]

I have done one also P388 P385 and several others, you really need 3 people, it is more awkward than difficult, panels that hold speakers are retained by screws wires are usually multiplugs, 2 x17mm nuts each side, them after removable of seating and rails, lift off, be very careful not to walk over back edge of flybridge, arch is hollow so not very heavy.

 

[Avalon]

I believe there is a removable panel on the inside of the radar arch on each side which gives access to the fastenings. You may just be able to see it to the right of this photo:



And yes, you are right about the flybridge stanchions being fastened to the arch. To lie the arch down flat those stanchions would need to be removed.

 

[rafiki_]

This boat looks really tidy, and looks like it has been well maintained. The mechanicals etc are very tidy given the age of the boat. Many congratulations. HLB on here is our P35 expert, he had one for many years, so a PM might be in order?