Stern arch

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fredandkathy
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Stern arch

Post by fredandkathy »

I would like to replace the factory dinghy davits (two prongs) with an arch made of either stainless steel or aluminium tubing that would elevate the dinghy to a higher and safer position, and serve as a platform for solar panels and various antennae. I've seen some beautiful and very functional arch designs on one 36 (and many other cats) but have not seen any on the 32s. Before I start this from scratch, perhaps there are some 32 owners who have already installed this stern arch design and may be willing to share the design, type of materials used and manufacturer for consideration. We're located in Southeast Florida and any information is very much appreciated. Thanks. Fred
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thinwater
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Re: Stern arch

Post by thinwater »

While I don't intend to discourage new ideas--I love them--I have some reason I think this is not needed or a good idea.

* Strength and weight. Your going to add significant mass trying to make it as strong as what you have. The simplicity of the current design gives it great strength. It is also going to be difficult to keep it out of the way.
* Safety. If you can get your dingy hoisted high (tubes tight to the beams) I think you will NEVER get near the water. I don't even get the prop wet. The trick is getting the tackle very short, but it can be done. Tricing-up helps. This is a concern on mono-hulls, but not on the PDQ.
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2010/ ... ed-up.html
In fact, the picture in this post is NOT hoisted high, it is at the dock-side level, lowered a bit to drain rain. When cruising, you can read our "Shoal Survivor" on the transom. This is MUCH easier to accomplish than an arch.
* Windage. Currently it's hidden. By the time the wind is bad enough that the tender on davits is a concern (full gale at least) I think 60 knots on the arch and tender will be a problem.
* Viability. Big blind spot.
* Fishing. In the way.
* Lift height. Yup, a lot more lugging. You need a good tackle, or probably lines taken to winches.
* Solar. We do fine with the panels on the hard top, but perhaps you want more.
* Antennas. There are other answers.
* Loading. We like to load and unload the dingy by climbing up and down the transom. I would hate to block that passage, so think about access.

I think it's going to add complexity, windage, and weight, without enough benefit. Simpler is faster, and even in this case, perhaps more seaworthy. I would focus on lifting the tender higher.
Writing full time since 2014.
"Rigging Modern Anchors,"Seaworthy Press, https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Modern-A ... 1948494078
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SecondWind
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Re: Stern arch

Post by SecondWind »

Arch.jpg
Arch.jpg (253.94 KiB) Viewed 7391 times
We loved the arch that we had built for our 36 LRC. It was tall enough that it did not block our view, it survived Hurricane Charlie (180 mph winds) with the solar panels intact, We were still able to fish off of the transom and to climb aboard the dinghy over the transom. The lift height was greater, but allowed us to service the dinghy easily. For us the additional weight was not really a problem and the convenience and strength were a great asset (the factory arms are weak and mounted poorly and have been reported to sag and break off by numerous PDQ'rs.
Terry Green
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thinwater
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Re: Stern arch

Post by thinwater »

The PDQ 32 arms are a completely different design and are VERY strong. The 32 and 36 are completely different boats re. cockpit and davits.
Writing full time since 2014.
"Rigging Modern Anchors,"Seaworthy Press, https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Modern-A ... 1948494078
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