www.iFourWinns.com

Just wondering if anyone has taken the radar arch off. Do you like the look better and or pros/cons? I know it's held up by two bolts at each end. Also wondering how much it weighs. Thinking about doing it for storage reasons. The only electronics I have attached to the arch is the navigation light and VHF antenna which could easily be relocated. I have also considered putting a hinge on it and have seen the other forums regarding that. Thanks for your time.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

I came accross this when looking into how I was going to store my rig for the winter...

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10469

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

Hey thanks Alex for that info. It seems like it will be a easy job to do. Just wondering how it will look without the arch.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

I have seen photos of your boat with and without the arch and I think it looks good either way. The only thing I would be worried about is what kind of mess you might find after the arch is removed. Perhaps you could get 2 pieces of polished stainless to cap the foot print of the arch if there is a mess.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

This looks like a newer 278 but pretty cool what they did with the arch.

http://morrison-marine.com/service-repair/restoration/

If you are going to take it off and leave it off then you will just have to deal with covering the holes with something.

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2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

I need to buy this arch vista 278.
Is it possible? Where can you buy?

I have removed, and reinstalled the arch on my 97 Vista 278.

It took 3 people to remove it. The factory adheres it to the boat with either 4200 or some other sealant pretty good! There are 4 studs on the end of each side of the radar arch, with nylocks and washers, that hold it to the boat with a thick aluminum backing plate. My arch had the all around light wiring, VHF antenna, and coax cable for a tv antenna in it. I ended up installing a removable all around light on the starboard rear corner, and using one of the holes from the radar arch to reinstall the VHF antenna mount. I just cut the coax cable, as I have an antenna I use already.

I had to remove it in 2012 as I lived on a restricted canal - there was a low bridge to get under to get out to the lake. I have since moved, and reinstalled it this past spring.

Once removed, it weighs about 60-70lbs and is Awkward AF to move without having 2 people. It is painted aluminum and will chip/scratch easy so be careful.

BTW, I called around a few fabricating shops to hinge it and they all wanted some astronomical amounts to do it. Easier and lots more economicable to remove it and reinstall it. lol

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

I like what they did ! It'd make winter storage under a tarp much easier if I got that done to mine.

I must Be missing the pic, what tab is it under?

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Current:
2000 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer "still Livin the Dream"

Past
2002 268 Vista 5.7 GXI "Livin' the Dream"
1996 Rinker 192 Captiva. "The Simple Life"
1999 Yamaha XLL 1200 Waverunner.
1976 Mercury Marquis tri hull 120 hp