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Erie Canal Radar Arch Removal

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by David Helsom, Mar 26, 2020.

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  1. David Helsom

    David Helsom Member

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    Running our 60’ Hatterss MY to Racine Wisconsin from Stuart Florida hopefully In May. We have an arch with a mast that far exceeds the airdraft to scoot under the bridges. Unfortunately someone welded the mast to the arch so the whole thing has to be removed. Does anybody know of a company that will remove and truck the arch for reinstall at the end of the canal? I’d like to keep the arch until New York then have it for the Great Lakes crossing.
    The arch is aluminum but I’m assuming a bit unwieldy for two people to handle. I have quick disconnects for all of the wiring up the arch. I’ll also remove the sat dome and radar so it’s just a matter of loosening four bolts then picking the arch off.
    Thank you for the help in advance.
  2. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    I would recommend hinging it, either the mast or arch and mast, so it can easily be folded down. Pipewelders has done many Hatteras boats in that way. I would assume the same people who step masts for sail boats could remove it though if that's the route you want to go.
  3. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    We had it taken down in Albany on the 56, but when I put it back up before going into the Lakes I was surprised at how easy and light it is. (Ignorance is expensive :() I suggest just hiring a tall someone on the dock to give you a hand. I was surprised to find that ours had like a shark's fin going into slats that really helped, but not hard either way. Like Olderboater said having it hinged makes it really simple.
    You may have bigger problems than the arch though. Read the thread on the Welland Canal.
  4. Wl3175

    Wl3175 Member

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    i am planning on going from Maine to Manitowoc WI in May also on a 55ft Huckins .we will have similar issues with height so will need to go through the welland , I did the welland amd erie last June on a 105ft sailboat so this will be easy
  5. David Helsom

    David Helsom Member

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    Manitowoc is our old stomping grounds and know it well. I’ve read about the closures of the border, canal and marinas. We are taking it day by day. On the plus side we have time and carry 1033 gallons so we can stretch the legs if need be. Again we will know when we are leaving when the last line is cast. Thank you for the suggestions. I plan to loosen the bolts on the arch to make sure they will so maybe a test lift will yield some pleasant results. Fingers crossed.
    By the way I looked into the hinge idea but we don’t have plans at this time to bring this boat back to So. Florida so it’s a little cost prohibitive.
  6. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Not so easy. As I mentioned before read the thread on the Welland Canal. As of right now it's a no-go.
  7. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    I think plain English is in order NYCAP.
    Guys the Welland is closed to Pleasure Crafts until further notice due to the virus.
  8. Wl3175

    Wl3175 Member

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    fully understand all that but the erie wonrt open till May 18th or later so plenty of time for some good news
  9. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    A very big IF given how hard NY is getting hit and how many counties you go through crossing the state. Any transports this years will require a lot more planning and a lot of it done last minute. Up on the lakes logistics and things like fuel burn or needing repairs could force many boats to bounce between borders. So know the current situation on both sides. Most of the ramp up we're now just starting should have begun last December. Be prepared with a good Plan B for your summer plans. Getting stuck mechanically or in a quarantine , or worse getting sick half way to your destination could get very inconvenient and very expensive.
  10. captaintilt

    captaintilt Senior Member

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    You could have the arch removed at Coeymans Marina which is just south of Albany Yacht Club, and have them meet you at Oswego Marina (they have a crane at Oswego) to get it back onboard and operational. I too found out about the Welland Canal closure to Pleasure Craft last evening, and going to remain optimistic that it will be operational by the time the Erie Canal is scheduled to open. There is a lot of dealerships and clients in the Great Lakes that are dependent upon it opening to deliver boats that were purchased back in the fall, as well as Captains who are bringing private boats back to the Lakes for the season.
  11. David Helsom

    David Helsom Member

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    Talked to Coeymans today and they assured me either the crane or the man power can get it done. Oswego isn’t answering right now but looks like they should be able to help. The only choice we have, besides the river route, is to wait and see and remain optimistic. Thanks for the hook up! If you see a 60’ Hat named Benedetto stop in or wave, we wave back and always have something chilled for guests.
  12. captaintilt

    captaintilt Senior Member

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    No problem, and Coeyman's are great people and very accomodating. Oswego normally doesn't open until Mid-April to the first of May as they are usually still shoveling snow or waiting for the ice to melt. Will certainly say hello when I see you. I'm scheduled to be bringing a brand new 62' Pershing from Lauderdale to Detroit around mid-May (fingers crossed that the Erie opens and if needs be will take the Erie all the way to Buffalo if the Welland doesn't allow Pleasure Boats by then). I remain optimistic!!!! Look forward to passing you along the way!!! Stay safe!
  13. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Can you take a picture of this mast head? I find it really hard to believe it's welded on. I believe the base is welded to the mast going up, but the base is probably screwed to the arch and the screw heads are recessed and were filled with filler and painted over.
  14. f3504x4ps

    f3504x4ps Member

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    As OB stated hinge it and have them use a electric actuator or hydraulic to bring it up and down. May be the same or cheaper then trucking and cost to have removed and reinstalled.
  15. David Helsom

    David Helsom Member

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    It’s definitely welded. I can see where the bolt holes were. Now there filled with liquid metal from the weld. I also used a mirror to see if the mast was bolted or screwed out of sight of the access plate and no go. I will say this, who ever did the welding and fairing did a stellar job! Yes I’m being cheap but thousands for a cut and hinge or more for a lift is a non starter for me. I’m certain this is a one and done trip for us. There are only four bolts and a lot of caulk holding the arch in place. A little muscle and wood for a cradle will get us through the canal. Thank you for the suggestions that’s exactly what I was hoping for!
  16. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Once you hinge it, seems to me, the problem is solved for now and the future?? Assuming you can hinge it in a safe and respectable manner.
  17. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Still could use some pictures for the visually mental impaired and not so Hatteras savvy.
  18. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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  19. David Helsom

    David Helsom Member

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    Wow makes things look easy and gives me confidence in self removal. I might be at the boat tonight so I will take photos. The 1989 60’ has an enclosed flybridge area that is smaller then a lot of old Hats. It does however have a large fantail area that should hold the arch. Again pictures as soon as I can.
  20. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Arch stands

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