Radar Arch
 

What do yall think of this Radar arch? Its $195

http://fishmaster.com/products/RadarArch.htm

I was thinking it could be mounted on the splashwell with rod holders. The only better option would be a full radar arch.

IMHO,,,

Looks like it wouldn't hold anything substantial and would really get in the way...

If you plan on fishing, it would be a nuisance.

You want a radar arch to install a radar system?

rkc

I just want somewhere else to put my rods. They get in the way no matter where i put them. Currently i have a 10 rod holder mounted on the left side of the boat by the windshield. Also need a place to support my 14' VHF antenna.

I gotta agree with RKC on this one.. it looks like it's fllimsy, and in all cases why would you want to mount it on the transom where it will constantly be in the way? My bet is you would install it, quickly grow tired of it, uninstall it and consign it to the garage forever. :head:

The main reason i asked about is cause its made of 2" OD aluminum. I am considering making a custom radar arch. What does everybody think about using regular steel pipe and painting it black with a good thick paint? It would be a little heavy, or would metal conduit be strong enough?

Salt air corrosion does not confine itself to the outside of a pipe.. you'd have to coat the inside also. So, black pipe would be least desirable. Galvanized pipe would be much better. Stainless steel would be best. But for this application I'd think that Aluminum pipe is the best (cheapest) bet. :head:

I figure i will need about 40ish feet of pipe. That's 4- 4' Uprights 2- 7' cross members and a little extra for intermediate supports and according to an online metal site i will be spending $200. Thats for 1.9" OD aluminum pipe with a 0.145" wall thickness.

I also learned something new. Tube is more expensive than pipe. Way more expensive. 40' of 2" OD tubing is $1500 :oh: It also says on the website that "pipes are passageways, and tubes are structural", yet further down it says Pipe is generally more rigid than tube, and is usually produced in heavier wall thicknesses. :head:

i had a friend who made a really nice t-top out of elec conduit
not quite up to yacht standards, but great for a fish/dive boat.