www.iFourWinns.com

It looks like I will have to drop my arch in order to get some clearance under the door for winter storage. I have seen the access to the bolts on the starboard side, but I'm not sure if there is good access to the port side hold down bolts. Has anyone dropped or removed the arch on a 268 before? Thanks

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Sounds like a project!

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Not to mention, the arch on the 05 is aluminum, not fiberglass...I'm thinking it's heavier than the 'glass one? I hope I never have to take mine off...ugh.

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Jack
2005 268 Vista - Sold

2001 Silverton 35C 8.1L Crusaders

On the port side you should be able to remove the coaming pad ( look at the bottom and remove the screws then give it a big tug up. You should find the access holes) on the stbd side taking the seat backs off will reveal those access holes

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Bryan Mutter

http://www.twincitymarine.com
http://www.facebook.com/twincitymarineinc
http://www.youtube.com/user/twincitymarine
http://www.twitter.com/twincitymarine

Thanks Bryan! I checked under the pad and sure enough there was a 6.5" hole above the speaker that allows for easy access to the 3 nuts that hold it. I can't imagine it taking more than 15 minutes to drop the arch enough to gain the needed 9 inches to slide under the door.

This may work out nicely since I want to reconfigure/replace my arch speakers and have a painter friend respray the white imron on a few area's that need touched up!

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

+1. I replaced my arch speakers while it was still down from transport.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Keep me posted as to how that goes. I recall the mechanic saying it took four of them to lift mine in place. Good thing your marina buddies are nearby

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

We put our 268 in storage today and thus had to remove the arch in order to get under an over trimmed out door! The total process took about a 1/2 hour, and was actually easier than anticipated. The arch fasteners were under the coming pad as previously stated


After removing 3-9/16in nuts on the port side, and 2 on the starboard side(one missing?)the arch easily tilted forward. I cut a few wire ties on the starboard side to get the extra slack in the wires to tilt the arch all the way forward. We rested the arch on a cushion on top of the helm.


Once the arch was dropped we tons of clearance



This is the our first time with heated storage so we are putting together a huge list of winter projects!I Can't wait to get started

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Ben,
Great info to learn about for potential future cruiser buyers. I take it there wasn't any type of hinge, you just had to lay it down? Also, any way to remove it completely or at least lay it down in the cockpit?

When looking into buying a 268 a few years ago, we took any with an arch off our list because in substantially increased the price for the storage at our current storage location. Having this info helps if we decide to upgrade in the future.

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

The only thing that prevented us from completely removing it was the wires that ran thru it. It had tv coaxial, vhf antenna, and speaker wire. If the wires had quick disconnects there would have been nothing to prevent us from taking it off completely. There are no hinges and the arch has caulking at the base. I would like to try and find a way to remove the caulk and replace it with a rubber gasket instead...I guess I could add that to the winter project list

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Ben you'll have to take a close look at mine. Seems you could add a heavy duty hinge like mine has and you'll be set.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Looks like you have a great storage option. Let me know if you need help.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

+2 regarding your comment on heated indoor storage. Last year was the 1st time we had this after getting our 298, and was it ever worth the extra cost! Nothing like puttering around for days with winter boat projects or cleaning and waxing in January / February in a 60° + degree warehouse while there is two feet of snow outside. Really helps the winter blues, and you don't have to smell the remnants of anti-freeze for the 1st month of next year in your boats water system.

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2004 Four Winns 298 Vista
"Last Minute"

Nice work Ben, and thats great that you got her inside for the winter....very jealous!

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"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205

Ben was it just the two of you working on that? How heavy do you think it was?

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi