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Radar Arch, Davits, Stern Anchor Roller, and Solar Panel Mounts

After an unfortunate failure of our radar mount (a Questus Mount that rides on the backstay) in heavy seas, we opted to add a hefty radar arch to our boat. We considered re-locating the radar antenna to the mast, but the arch won over for a couple of reasons. First, as a cruising boat we had lots of other antennas that could use sturdier mounts, we decided to incorporate davits, and we wanted a heavy duty mount for the outboard motor lift. We also have a wind generator, to that also needed to be included. So an arch it was. We also included a stern ladder and gate, so we could enter and exit the dinghy when it was attached to the davit lifting lines.

After cruising to Mexico and living with the arch for a while, we still believe it's one of the best investments we made. It's alot handier to lift the dinghy out of the water each night with davits than to use our old method with the spinaker halyard. The arch makes a nice backrest, while either standing or sitting underway. And the arch really cleaned up all the 'stuff' that was already mounted on the stern.

The arch was built in Alameda, CA by Alameda Prop and Machine. Feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding the design or function of the arch and accessories.

Overview of the arch and the overall lines of the arch and boat

Arch just after it was installed. The antenna manifold is quite visible. All coax will be run inside of the arch tubing

Antennas and wind generator installed. We do not normally sail with the dinghy in the davits... only for short trips in calm wx

Antenna manifold and davits folded in. Antennas include: WiFi (left of the radome), radar, tv antenna, gps, navtex, satellite radio, cell phone, back-up gps, and dsc/back-up vhf. The SSB antenna feed line is shown with spacers on the backstay.

Overall view with the davits extended and port solar panel extended. The stern anchor roller is also visible.

Davit detail. Cockpit light is also readily visible. It's handy when lifing the dinghy at night, or when checking the steaks on the barbeque. We may replace it with a LED model in the future. The arch also has a LED stern light mounted high. It's visible to the right of the cockpit light

Wind generator mounting and outboard motor lift (Garhauer). The wiring from the wind generator runs down the tube and inside the arch tube. We kept all antenna coax away from the power lines to minimize interference and to protect the antenna lines in case of an electrical short. Take extra care to insure that the wind generator will clear all antennas when it rotates in the wind. This mount is quite secure, and no noticible vibration or noise transmission.

An example of the mounting pads. The arch is through-bolted to the coaming. There is a hole in the top of the coaming, under the pad for wires that run up the tube

A Garhauer motor lift is incorporated into the arch. The outboard motor sits on a custom SS mount (attached to the arch), with 'starboard' pads to secure the motor

We intentially kept the solar panels low. The swing up and are held in place with an extendable pole. We may eventually redesign these to rotate also, but so far they seem to work just fine.

A stern anchor roller was also fabricated and installed. It's positioned so we have a fair lead to port primay winch to assist with anchor retreival, if necessary. We carry a Fortress FX35 as a stern anchor, and for use in mud.

A stern ladder was added to better gain access to the dinghy when using the davits. The ladder also has a quick release that can be pulled while in the water