pre fab radar arch choices, any thoughts?

[Illogikal99]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

Their website says: "Very strong and usable unit. Built from 2" schd 40 aluminum tube." So in that respect they mimic the AT's units...Can't comment on their welds or hardware. Truthfully, just looking at their site, I have to agree with you that their towers do look nice, and the prices are about half of AT's ..tough call on which way to go.

Ok, so I'm not crazy for suspecting a deal. I need to look into them a bit more but I'm partial to saving some cash. As far as build quality, I'm pretty sure I won't be doing pull ups on either arch. just need it to get the rods, antennas and spreader lights where they should be, out of the way... If I end up grabbing the Fish-on arch I'll keep you guys in the loop with pics and reviews. I may be willing to be the guinea pig on this one! If anyone finds out anything more let me know.

[Illogikal99]

BTW the difference may be in the finish. Fish-on site mentions powdercoat as the finish but then there is an upcharge for "mirror aluminum" finish. I have to call the company to see if this means anodized or powdercoat faux aluminum... if it is powdercoated, what would be the consensus then?

[macojoe]

been happy with mine from AT!!













This Tuna is 150 pounds hanging off there!

[Illogikal99]

Nice hardtop Macojoe! I guess I could do pullups off the arch after all. AT does nice work without a doubt.

[Kracker Jack]

This is completely off subject. but MACOJOE I sure do miss my seaox. Seeing pics of that pretty boat you have makes me wish I never sold mine. I painted that boat the same color I painted my Albemarle. That pic of me at the bow with a rum and coke was when I was 27 years old.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Originally Posted by Illogikal99

BTW the difference may be in the finish. Fish-on site mentions powdercoat as the finish but then there is an upcharge for "mirror aluminum" finish. I have to call the company to see if this means anodized or powdercoat faux aluminum... if it is powdercoated, what would be the consensus then?

I plan on a radar arch for the V20. But i want mine powdercoated. Reason? I am too lazy to polish aluminum. Hell the V20 wont even have a single piece of teak when i am done. As long as the powder coat is applied properly and welds are slick i dont see any problem. I just paid $1000 for a bumper for my truck and not impressed with the welds at all. Some welds were overfilled and the powdercoat didn't seal the entire surface so i have some rust now. Just fyi.

I wonder why they dont offer white? I like the Fish On arch. But i am not sure about their foldable mounting system. I would like fixed bases. With my luck it will fold when i dont want it to.

[Illogikal99]

Originally Posted by jasoncooperpcola

I plan on a radar arch for the V20. But i want mine powdercoated. Reason? I am too lazy to polish aluminum. Hell the V20 wont even have a single piece of teak when i am done. As long as the powder coat is applied properly and welds are slick i dont see any problem. I just paid $1000 for a bumper for my truck and not impressed with the welds at all. Some welds were overfilled and the powdercoat didn't seal the entire surface so i have some rust now. Just fyi.

I wonder why they dont offer white? I like the Fish On arch. But i am not sure about their foldable mounting system. I would like fixed bases. With my luck it will fold when i dont want it to.

yeah I figure powdercoat should be fine since my bracket is powdercoated and tough as nails.
BTW the AT arch has the option of adding the folding brackets for an additional $200 or $275, forgot how much it was but the Fish-on arch comes standard with it. I'm just amazed at how overpriced anything "marine" generally is! AT looks great but why so pricey? Fish-on looks better everytime I look at it.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Illogikal99

BTW the AT arch has the option of adding the folding brackets for an additional $200 or $275, forgot how much it was but the Fish-on arch comes standard with it.

My AT tower has the foldable arch system. Simplicity itself.....the two back poles have swivels on them at the bases and the two front poles have pins at the bases that you pull out... pull the pins, push the arch back and it folds down to just about the same height as the windshield. The whole thing takes less than a minute.

[Illogikal99]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

My AT tower has the foldable arch system. Simplicity itself.....the two back poles have swivels on them at the bases and the two front poles have pins at the bases that you pull out... pull the pins, push the arch back and it folds down to just about the same height as the windshield. The whole thing takes less than a minute.

does the arch have any wobble or chatter in it when underway in the rough stuff? should I expect this or should it be solid?

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Illogikal99

does the arch have any wobble or chatter in it when underway in the rough stuff? should I expect this or should it be solid?

As I said in my first post in this thread, my arch has yet to be installed, so I cannot tell you if it rattles or not. It does appear to be solid in construction, so I think it will be okay. But any arch that is made to fold must, by it's very design, have some play in it.