What is Inside the Arch

artboas · Feb 9, 2016

Yes, I know the issue.
Where the arch screws onto the deck supports, the connecting pieces are actually solid cast stainless. They are welded onto the tube.
On my 49 there is an overhead pod with a stereo & light. Accordingly, Hunter drilled a hole through the casting. But, it was small, and I couldn't fish any additional wiring through it.
If there is nothing electrical already on your arch, then chances are you wont be able to get wiring through it.

Hello Below · Feb 9, 2016

You may want to touch base with your dealer's service manager and/or Hunter support. I was about ready to give up but I conversed with both and I was literally given some inside (the arch tube) information that resulted in success. I was able to fish two 10 gauge wires down the inside of an arch tube, through predrilled holes in the casting and a predrilled hole in the base which allowed the wires to exit inside the boat. Total time for me to run these wires less than 10' was about 20 hours.

Jim D · Feb 10, 2016

Sailgunner said:
Tried contacting Hunter but no response yet.

I have a 410. Installed solar panels last year. The wires I installed went through the arch and to the nav station. there is a opening in the ss tubing under the light and speaker pod on the arch. The tube is clear all the way down to the ss attach plate on the stern of the hull. That is were there is only a small opening around a 3/4 inch in the middle of the plate. You need to access the area in the locker on the port side above the fuel tank. Find the bolt pattern and you will see the wire for the speakers and lights there. I ran a electrical tape/fish up the arch and grabbed the tape when I saw it in the middle of the arch at the speaker/light opening. Not easy to do by yourself but a few beers and it can be done. good luck
Jim

Apex · Feb 10, 2016

trick I learned from an electrician: Tie a plastic bag to a tracer string. Stuff that in the hole, and vacuum on the other end. We used that method for fishing a new 200amp service, but you may be able to perform the same method varying the size of the plastic "wad" to fit the application.

artboas · Feb 10, 2016

Sailgunner said:
We must have a different set up. I do not have speakers or light preinstalled under the arch. I installed a light under the arch and trying to run wires inside the tubing. Drilling holes for the wires is not the issue. The issue is the arch tube has something in it in the corner. Nothing will go through there, electrical snake, etc.

If there is no existing wiring in the arch, then it is possible that Hunter made no provisions for any. Have you tried fishing through the other tubes? You might get lucky. The wiring might be longer to run inside the boat, but it's better than zero.

Hello Below · Feb 10, 2016

Apex said:
Tie a plastic bag to a tracer string.

Kinda like what this good ole boy attempts to show us how to do??

Apex · Feb 10, 2016

..and hang onto the string?

kjretlaw · Feb 11, 2016

I had a similar issue where one of the cross bars on the arch was welded in place off to one side blocking the tube. I had to install the solar panel wires externally.

seadaddler · Feb 11, 2016

Try different tubes making the turn and look at all the tubes where they are bolted one the hull and if one of them has the hole
If not try different tubes when trying the fish line,my 2001 290 I had to just drill hole at bottom
Nick