Stainless steel or fiber glass traver arch

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therobesons

therobesons

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Jun 7, 2009
116
Hunter 1999 Passage h420 CC Oceanside
I have noticed that the early 420's seem to have a fiberglass arch and the newer boats seem to have the stainless steel.

I seem to like the fiberglass as it holds the speakers etc better that the Stainless.

But is one better than the other, why the change, was it cost cutting or structure or just a design change?

Any ideas?

Thanks

Bob
 
Sailgunner

Sailgunner

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Jun 4, 2004
1,087
Mainship Piliot 34 Punta Gorda
Because the fiberglass arch made the boat look like a power boat. There may be technical reason for changing to the SS but I really don't think many people liked the fiberglass arch appearence.
 
seadaddler

seadaddler

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Dec 19, 2006
5,819
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Better

The fiberglass did have it's problems and the stainless seem to be stronger and does hold up better and much less maintance and Hunter did take over the shop that makes the stainless arch.
I have owned two Hunters with stainless arch and prefer the stainless arch over the fiberglass and like very much the way the stainless looks and holds up very well and easily can have things mounted to it and is very strong and think the stainless was better for holding the mainsheet and arch for strength wise and that would be a guess on my part,both my Hunters have speakers and a light with no problem and yes I think they look more like a powerboat.
Nick
 
S

Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
As I remember there were also some issues with leaks on the fiberglass units too.

Personally I never liked the looks of the FG arch.
 
stephen Penny

stephen Penny

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Nov 8, 2009
537
Hunter 386LE San Fancisco
Also agree with Steve on the looks of a FG arch. I passed on a Hunter sailboat with one with one prior to purchasing this sailboat.

Biggest benefit of a SS arch is you can attach aft and forward biminis and davit arms (that is what I did) to it. You can also attach a plate for a cam cleat for the main sheet to operate it from the wheel like they have on the new Hunter 39.
 
Ed Caldwell

Ed Caldwell

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Jul 29, 2004
411
Hunter 340 Lake Lanier, GA
It's back in fashion

Isn't it interesting however that Beneteau has started putting fiberglass arches on their larger boats? Apparently they didn't listen to all you FG arch skeptics :D

BTW our 99 H340 arch has not had any issues with leaks, it serves as the attachment point for the two piece bimini, and the speakers sound great! As for appearances, it's obviously a personal choice. While I'm sold on having the arch, I think it would be silly to let the type of arch be a major factor in a boat acquisition decision.
 
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Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
The aesthetics aside I did not like that the f/g arch was center cockpit. It seemed to restrict movement on/off the deck. And kind of claustrophobic. The stainless arch is more a part of the pushpit and rakes forward. Just seems less obtrusive.
 
E

eianm

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Jul 7, 2010
522
Hunter 42 Sydney
stephen Penny said:
Also agree with Steve on the looks of a FG arch. I passed on a Hunter sailboat with one with one prior to purchasing this sailboat.

Biggest benefit of a SS arch is you can attach aft and forward biminis and davit arms (that is what I did) to it. You can also attach a plate for a cam cleat for the main sheet to operate it from the wheel like they have on the new Hunter 39.
Click to expand
I have a 1991 H42 and am interested in your comment re plate for clam cleat- would you mind sending me a picture please?
Eianm
 
Scott B

Scott B

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Sep 20, 2006
2,952
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
I have pictures of the set up on the 39 from the Boat Show last year. I'll dig them up and post later.

There are 4 points of attachment on the arch. A SS loop, mid arch on top to attach a stand up block which takes the main sheet from the boom, another block on the outside of the arch beside the traveller, a large plate with a clutch mounted beside the traveller cleat and a smal loop at the base of the arch with another block to lead the main sheet to the winch.
 
Mariner356

Mariner356

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Sep 26, 2010
45
Hunter 410 Cheboygan Michigan
I owned a 1998 Hunter 410, first year of production model with a fiberglass arch. I understand Hunter wanted a SS arch but had to contract out for them and chose to make the FB arch themselves. Again I understand that sometime in the 2000 model year they found a means to make the SS themselves and continued with them through the 2003 production model run which retired the 410 model. I had no difficulty with the 1998 Hunter with the FB arch. I never doubted its strength. That arch extends towards the stern which provides shade sometimes for the helm and provides a great means to stand on the aft stern seats and lean on the arch. After my 1998 Hunter 410 burned in a fire in 2008 I purchased a 2000 Hunter 410 with a SS arch. Works just fine but lost the occasional sun shade and way to stand up higher and lean on an arch as this arch extends forward, the opposite of the fiberglass arch. Either way, they're both strong and functional. The SS arch is easier to grab hold in adverse circumstances.
 
Scott B

Scott B

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Sep 20, 2006
2,952
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
What the fibreglass arch, ( I believe ) has over the SS is the ability to attach the bimini & enclosure and have a watertight enclosed space? correct me if I'm wrong.
The SS arch I have has too many breaks etc and we get water dripping in whenever it rains.
 
D

Doug/Karen

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Mar 3, 2008
188
Hunter 356 Lake Stockton
Having owned a boat with the SS arch for four seasons now, I can tell you, for a number of reasons, it is a pleasure. A few of my marina mates with the fiber arch are not so happy. Given the general tone of the responses that you have received thus far, one would have to consider what sort of resale problems you might run into with a fiber arch.
 
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