What do you call this thing?

[CaptainPointless]

Hey, it's probably a dumb question, but what do you call this thing? Is it a spoiler, like on a car? Is it a tower? I know some people put radar domes on top of them. I was just wondering what these are called. (image is attached)

 

[arks]

Re: What do you call this thing?

Not a spoiler.
They're called 'radar arches' because a lot of people use 'em for mounting a radome.

 

[CaptainPointless]

Re: What do you call this thing?

Cool, thanks for the quick response. I was thinking about designing one to add to my resto, so I wanted to know what they were called so I can do some research on their general design.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What do you call this thing?

Yep radar arch. If you do include one make sure it is strong and very well mounted. Overdo what you bolt it on with.

 

[Philster]

Re: What do you call this thing?

For research: Older Wellcraft Scarabs (think Miami Vice t.v. show boat) really brought attention to radar arches, and a number of guys doing work on old Scarabs have built their own.

www.offshoreonly.com has a Scarab owners forum. Might be worth posting there.


The Scarab that made the arch famous:

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: What do you call this thing?

Can I assume that the current trend to having them curve forward is so that if you actually mounted a radome on it, it would not be trying to fry your brain everytime you stood up at the helm?

 

[high'n'dry]

Re: What do you call this thing?

Whatever they are they look kind of dumb. Kind of like tail fins on 50s boats and cars. Rarely do I see a radar mounted on them and most are too flimsy to do anything useful with. I suppose if they hold equipment and are functional then I can see having one being useful, just as a piece of non functional style, no.

 

[CaptainPointless]

Re: What do you call this thing?

I have to disagree with you, high'n'dry, but then again, this part comes down to personal preference. I personally think that the arch, curved forward rather than behind (think: opposite of a car spoiler), can be extremely attractive. And in addition, who's to say that they're flimsy? I doubt they would put them in 90% of the boats that they do, if people sent in complaints about them breaking because of their lack of structural strength. More than likely, if I end up building one, I will have a 4ft VHF Antenna mounted.

 

[high'n'dry]

Re: What do you call this thing?

I have to disagree with you, high'n'dry, but then again, this part comes down to personal preference. I personally think that the arch, curved forward rather than behind (think: opposite of a car spoiler), can be extremely attractive. And in addition, who's to say that they're flimsy? I doubt they would put them in 90% of the boats that they do, if people sent in complaints about them breaking because of their lack of structural strength. More than likely, if I end up building one, I will have a 4ft VHF Antenna mounted.

People once thought plaid pants, green leisure suits, nylon shirts and tail fins were pretty, now, not so much. Fake radar arches are the in thing now, probably not so much in a few years.

 

[salty87]

Re: What do you call this thing?

so what? it's his/their boat...whatever

they can serve many purposes and as long as it serves a purpose for Capn Pointless, what difference does it make to you and your boat?

slap a radar up there, antenna, some speakers, led lights, incorporate the bimini and/or full enclosure...knock yourself out Capn P...i think they look great.

 

[CaptainPointless]

Re: What do you call this thing?

so what? it's his/their boat...whatever

they can serve many purposes and as long as it serves a purpose for Capn Pointless, what difference does it make to you and your boat?

slap a radar up there, antenna, some speakers, led lights, incorporate the bimini and/or full enclosure...knock yourself out Capn P...i think they look great.

Amen brother. Amen.

 

[wa_ssv197]

Re: What do you call this thing?

The new Cobalts have slide canvas built into the arches.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: What do you call this thing?

I thought that I read once in the resto forum Ooops was putting one on his Hulll extension boat maybe check with him. He seems to have an eye and the expertise for those sorts of additions. Personally I think they look cool slanted forward that is if the boat has the right body lines and flows with it's contours.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: What do you call this thing?

They are also a very nice place to mount cockpit lights and a couple of speakers. You could also put a water misting system in them to help cool you down on those really hot days. Just some ideas.

 

[grego]

Re: What do you call this thing?

I think, but not sure,that they were designed for radar on big water boats. Seems now, you see more satilite dishes on them.
plus great place to put speakers.

 

[wtxpatrick]

Re: What do you call this thing?

I kinda like the looks of them too. If my little rig had one, I would mount ham radio antennas on them. Looks pretty cool.

Patrick
N5WVC DM 82

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: What do you call this thing?

...and believe it or not, I convinced my 'fair-haired' bride that it was actually roll-over protection for newer boats!!

Ed

 

[ReelPlumber]

Re: What do you call this thing?

Small ski boats use them to mount hugh speakers, wake board carriers. More and more you see offshore walk around boats use them for radar, satellite, weather, VHF, lots of stuff so they look cool and are functional.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: What do you call this thing?

I agree with kenmyfam about having to mount it securely. It's not something you can just screw to the side of your hull. There has to be reinforcement constructed as well.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: What do you call this thing?

...and believe it or not, I convinced my 'fair-haired' bride that it was actually roll-over protection for newer boats!!

Ed

HAHAHAHA LOL!!! I love that. It's a roll bar! I'm definitely going to have to use that one to any new boaters I have with me next time I'm out on the water!