Hunter Stainless Arch

[ScottySailor]

Hey guys trying to get some info here I was thinking about running some extra wiring inside the stainless arch on my boat I already have wiring that goes to the stereo and light on the arch does anyone know if there are holes drilled through it or can you drill holes through it on the inside?
Just wondering before I start taking it apart… Thanks Scotty Sailor

 

[sail sfbay]

Same question came up recently on this thread: Hunter 33 Main Traveller Arch - Adding 12v Power to arch | Sailboat Owners Forums. I never looked at the

 

[Georgedoyle]

On my 49, there are two holes on each side where the arch articulates. To run wire through them, you need to detach your Bimini, remove the screws, and fold the arch forward. You'll be able to see the holes. A couple of things to note: the arch will bend forward on a pin that you can’t see from the outside. Removing the screws will allow the arch to bend. Also, you will need to drill a hole in the fiberglass under the starboard arch base to access the bottom of the arch. There is already a hole on the port side for the radio wiring. Just do the same thing on the other side. I recently ran the wiring for my solar panels through the arch. It worked really well. Now I have 400 watts worth of panels on the boat. On a mooring at Catalina, I run net 8-10 amps in the positive running both fridges and the freezer. No need to run the generator at all. I'm very pleased with the results.

 

[ScottySailor]

On my 49, there are two holes on each side where the arch articulates. To run wire through them, you need to detach your Bimini, remove the screws, and fold the arch forward. You'll be able to see the holes. A couple of things to note: the arch will bend forward on a pin that you can’t see from the outside. Removing the screws will allow the arch to bend. Also, you will need to drill a hole in the fiberglass under the starboard arch base to access the bottom of the arch. There is already a hole on the port side for the radio wiring. Just do the same thing on the other side. I recently ran the wiring for my solar panels through the arch. It worked really well. Now I have 400 watts worth of panels on the boat. On a mooring at Catalina, I run net 8-10 amps in the positive running both fridges and the freezer. No need to run the generator at all. I'm very pleased with the results.

unfortunately I have 1000 W of solar and everything is welded together to my arch including Dinghy Davits et cetera so no folding it forward but if you’re telling me there’s two holes through the arch on either side I should probably be able to just drill through the fibreglass on starboard side and look up inside and see them correct?
I can see the holes on the port side that’s where they ran all the stereo and wires for my solar

 

[Georgedoyle]

There is probably a hole in the arch on either side for running wiring. You will probably need to use a small hole saw to expose the hole on the side that isn't carrying your existing wiring. Once you drill out the fiberglass, it should be an easy run. You'll need to get into a cockpit locker to see how Hunter ran the wiring for the radio. Then, just duplicate on the other side.

 

[ScottySailor]

Thanks George I can see up in there I drilled a hole you definitely helped me head on the right direction thanks very much

 

[Georgedoyle]

I’m glad it worked out for you. I’m starting to realize that Hunter really did thoughtful work when they built these boats. The level of engineering on my arch is impressive. I was also pleased to see that they included access on both sides of the arch to accommodate future additions and expansions.

 

[ScottySailor]

Yes George definitely I can’t really understand all the hunter haters out there because I see so many different things on my boat that were well thought out ahead of time…
And they’re all starting to appear on boats manufactured in the last two or three years