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Converting from navigation arch to mast on M/Y

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Haragan, Dec 14, 2019.

  1. Haragan, Dec 14, 2019
    #1
    Haragan

    Haragan New Member

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    I'm brand new to boating and bit off a large chunk of "that'll teach ya" - bought a large boat for a live aboard subsequent to refitting. I'm considering replacing the fly bridge navigation/communications arch with a custom mast. Other than the negligible loss of fly deck real estate (it'll still have plenty of room), any opinions about whether an arch or a mast is preferred? The existing arch is highly corroded, leaking, and needs extensive repair, so much so that the additional cost is, i presume, not dissuasive of what I'd consider an upgrade. My preference is aesthetic with an intent to refit to more "classic" lines. Vessel is 105' custom steel hull built in Argentina to commercial grade specs. Thank you, Conrad
  2. JWY, Dec 14, 2019
    #2
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    A picture would help us.
  3. Capt Ralph, Dec 14, 2019
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    A round trip ticket would really help..
  4. Haragan, Dec 14, 2019
    #4
    Haragan

    Haragan New Member

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    Hope these help...

    Attached Files:

  5. Capt Ralph, Dec 14, 2019
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    So far, in these little pictures, the arch is a better plan.
  6. Oscarvan, Dec 15, 2019
    #6
    Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Lot of stuff on there.
  7. JWY, Dec 15, 2019
    #7
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    Unquestionably on arch for aesthetics
  8. Capt Ralph, Dec 15, 2019
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    A mast holding half of that stuff will need a lot of deck support not to fall over. Probably cable stays in the place of the arch sides.
    I agree with Judy (as always), an arch just looks better.
    And works better holding stuff.

    In the long short and long runs (money, time and looks), IMO; fix the arch.
  9. captholli, Dec 15, 2019
    #9
    captholli

    captholli Senior Member

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    Here's an alternative type of mast for your consideration. This is a Broward Marine yacht (ex Abbracci) that changed design from the standard radar arch with center mast to this sleek Alan Hoskins (Broward's in house stylist) design. There are other Browards out there for photos like Broward's Lady Jake and Cajun Princess that have these styled center nav masts. To remove your existing and repair -repaint where it attached and then fabricate fair and paint a new mast like one pictured and install with electronics I would venture an easy $100,000 and up quotation .

    6650867_20180319072454672_1_XLARGE.jpg 6650867_20180319072453898_1_XLARGE.jpg
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2019
  10. Beau, Dec 15, 2019
    #10
    Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    That's a heck of a "first" boat. She's a beauty. Personally I think the arch fits the boat better than a mast, Particularly from the bow on view. It helps "round' the sharp edges to the window set below But that's only in the eye of this beholder.

    Good luck with your venture, and enjoy! Be nice to get larger and more photos of your new "ship".
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2019
  11. Capt J, Dec 16, 2019
    #11
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    None of the above. A hardtop that also includes all of the electronics, guess you'd still have to have the side supports similar to the arch.
  12. mapism, Dec 17, 2019
    #12
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    The arch is definitely more appropriate for that boat, also from a functional viewpoint.
    Having said that, I agree with CJ that a hardtop would be an excellent alternative, also because at that size it wouldn't feel top heavy, as it happens in many much smaller boats nowadays.
    In any case, a center mast seems a very bad idea, considering also the much better pics available at this webpage (#84 and 85 particularly).
    Not sure of the reason why the OP didn't post the link, but since it's on a public webpage, I'm not disclosing any secret...

    PS: yep, a heck of a first boat, that's for sure. Floating villa is a more appropriate description!
    All the very best for the refitting.