Dropping Stainless Arch

[Scott B]

We've just bought a 2005 Hunter 33 and are shipping it from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. This will involve removing the cockpit arch and strapping it to the boat for transport. Has anyone done this before. I can't imagine it being too difficult but the broker / Hunter dealer is quoting 2men x 4 hours to take it down, which will get pricey.I have no problem in tackling mechanical projects etc. ( I just finished a total gut of our kitchen including structural framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall etc.) so I figure if I can do all that, the arch should be easy?? But on the other hand, I really don't want to get into something I'll regret taking on, as it's an expensive learning curve if I mess up.

 

[Chuck]

Sail it

You could just sail it. Great learning experience, and save the shipping costs. If shipping was included in the price, the arch job should also be included. But they are heavy and will need a lot of padding for overland shipment and could do a lot of damage if not careful. Let them take the risk.

 

[Mike]

I would tell him to quote 4 men 15 minuted

That is all it really takes, or the more people, the easier it is. If you already have the crake contracted for taking down the mast. I would recomend that instead. just make sure that all the wires are free before it is pulled. On a side note about removing the arch, take tape and seal up the holes. I don't think that the arch can travel up on the boat. It must come off the boat to make clearance. The arch is a big heavy awkard thing and with only 2 people I will bet you that they will accidently gouge the hull pretty good. I would cover you @$$ and as soon as the boat gets to you, note all scratches that could be associated with the arch, are you going to be there before the arch is removed, if it helps, take some pics of the know cracks/scratches/goughes in the cockpit area.

 

[Jeff Bacon]

Do all the prep work yourself.....

.. and have them do the grunt work in 10 minutes.If you take out all the bolts, and disconnect the wires, traveller lines, sheet block, etc, all that's left is to break the seal (5200 ??) and lift off.I would bet that a fair amount of that time is the prep for shippingJeff

 

[abe]

Here in California.....

go to the corner, pick up a couple of muchachos and pay $20 each for 2 hrs. No different than the muchachos Catalina employs and Haitians Hunter employs.abe

 

[Mike]

You in Canada or the US?

I would recommend the yard doing it, just make sure that everyone understands that if something does happen, that the yard is responsible for the cost of fixing it. Not for nothing, but does your H33 have the arch that is bolted to the hull with 4 thru bolts at each one of its feet, or does it have 2 bolts 1/3 of the way down to separate the arch, if the arch has a diagonal cut in it for separation, you might be able to get away with pivoting the arch forward.

 

[Scott B]

4 bolts

Mike, we are in Canada, it has the 4 bolts through the base and I assume the 5200 caulking to be separated from the hull. Their quote includes prepping it for shipping as well, i.e. padding and strapping. The more I think about it, the best course will be let them do the work and assume the responsibility or keep me from making an expensive mistake. They also do these all the time with the new boats when they arrive from Hunter.Chuck, I thought about sailing it around, but that would be 3 days minimum and I really am not anxious to go through the Welland Canal on our maiden voyage, which would also require additional help on board. I also want to maximize our holiday time in Georgain Bay, not getting there.