www.iFourWinns.com

I bought a 97 278 Vista for next season

Shes a beautiful boat with less than 100 hours!! Twin 4.3 injected, genny, etc...

Anyways, I either need to remove the radar arch or get it hinged somehow; I live on a canal and there is a bridge I have to get under. My 255 Sundowner makes it with 18" over the windshield, but I know the 278 wont make it under the bridge unless that arch either comes off (which I'd like to keep it on) or gets hinged.

Has anybody ever added hinges to their radar arch or know anybody who has?

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

Anything is possible, just find a good enough fiberglass/fabrication shop and they can whip you up some trick looking hinges and locking system. You'll never know it didn't come that way from Four Winns. I would expect something like that to cost no less then $2500 since it's 90% labor and a LOT of it to make it look good.

Ask around the marina who does custom fiberglass work, you'll find someone pretty quick.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Here is my 318 with the arch up and folded.





Hope that helps

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Since the 278 has a reverse arch, it may be able to fold to the stern, I don't know which way
is best for this situation.


I have seen them removed, but not made to fold on this year of a boat. It may be able to be done, but
will be expensive to have done so it looks decent when not down.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

+1

Also, while folding mine isnt to bad, its not something I would want to do twice a day to go under a bridge, you would have to come up with a quick release system or something. On the 318 you have to remoave 2 5/8" nuts, that are under a stainless trimm plate to fold.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Looks like you even took off the radar and KVH when you folded it....

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

I would hate to see you loose the arch!! If you need to remove it, here is a great replacement http://www.atlantictowers.com/custom-towers-arches.php

I have the "radar arch" from them. Each of the 2 front supports have a one pin release. Pull the 2 pins and the arch pivots down. If you'er tall, you should be able to do it your self. I am 5'4", so my wife helps me bring it down. The arch is about 65lbs.

Here is a link to there hinge kit: http://www.atlantictowers.com/images/AR ... KitBig.jpg

Fire, you are right. Over the winter (after checking with raymarine) put a connector in the harness right below in the arch, same with the KVH, and had some stailess bars drilled and tapped that I glued inside the arch. So I have 3 connectors, radar, kvh, and anchor light. Then zip 6 bolts out and I can have the whole array off in less than 10 minutes.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Sweet setup!

As to the original poster, check on the Sea Ray forum. There are a few over there in FL who have had their arches hinged, I'm sure it costs a pretty penny to have done.

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