380DA rudder removal versus arch lower for transport?

[roger275]

Hi, we are shipping the 380DA cross country and must either remove the rudders or lower the arch to minimize max height. I have never done either and wonder which would be best. Boat is in the water now and I have to "clear the arch" if I don't lower it, so this might be argument to lower arch. Plus, I could do it myself while the boat is in the water. Pulling rudders would have to be done in a hurry by the yard while its in the travel lift and then protect the holes from road grime. Then, same thing in reverse on the other end.

I'd like to hear club SR member opinions on which way I should go and maybe links to instructions for each. Thanks.

 

[fwebster]

Suggestions:

1.Select a hauler that has drop deck or low profile trailers.....Sea Ray delivers much larger boats than the 380 on such a trailer with the arches and rudders in place but the props removed.

2. Avoid removing the arch is possible. You have to unwire everything in the arch, there is potential for damage to the boat and the arch while a forklift or travel lift picks up and repositions the arch, and the arches usually have to be placed on the foredeck and secured which is another possible way for damage to occur.

3.There is no hurry to remove the rudders and the rudders don't have to come out while the boat is in the slings. Schedule the truck to arrive the day after the boat is hauled and schedule the yard to haul and block the boat and remove the rudders the day before. The only difference is 1 lay day in the yard and the cost of blocking up the boat. Hauling and loading a boat never goes as smoothly as you would hope and neither does launching one on the other end. For example, the hull is going to need detailing when the boat arrives....road film, oil and spray, if the truck goes thru a shower, makes a real mess and you cannot clean that up in the water.

Good luck with your move..........

 

[carterchapman]

I moved my 410 from NJ to TN by removing the props and antennas from the arch. My arch stayed in place...

 

[roger275]

The only "good" hauler I can find that can move it when I need it says his trailer adds 18" to total height of the boat. Keel to arch is 12'7" but I can't find how much the rudders are below the keel. Hauler guesses 12" in which case he says they need to be removed. Anyone know how much they actually add? Also, anyone know what size job and skill level to remove rudders on the 380DA with cats? Instructional links? Thanks!

 

[fwebster]

I found the part number for the rudder but cannot find the manufacturer to get the dimensions.

Removing the rudders is not all that difficult, but it isn't a 10 minute job either. The steeering cylinder has to be uncoupled, the rudder tie bar has to be removed, the rudder arms have to come off, then the packing gland has to be disassembled so the rudders can slide out. It is all just a matter of nuts and bolts, but that is probably the most difficult area in the bilge to get to so it won't be fun.

Also, removing the rudders won't be a total gain of the length of the rudder. The props.......easy to remove......and prop shaft extend down approximately 2/3's the length of the rudder

 

[Southpaw II]

When moving mine, props had to be removed along with the radar.

Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

 

[roger275]

When moving mine, props had to be removed along with the radar.

Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

Do you remember about how much the rudders are below the keel? SR shows this dimension on other models but not the 380da.

 

[rrascher]

I’m purchasing a 2002 380 Sundancer and am contemplating the same decision. How hard is it to remove and reinstall the Arch?
Is it heavy or can 2 people lift it?

Thanks,
Ray

 

[bbwhitejr]

I’m purchasing a 2002 380 Sundancer and am contemplating the same decision. How hard is it to remove and reinstall the Arch?
Is it heavy or can 2 people lift it?

Thanks,
Ray

Maybe 2-people could handle the weight, but due the bulkiness, this would not be advised. You need only remove what is on top of the arch and the props for transport. I moved a 420DA with doing just this. Took a couple of hours to clean off the arch and never cut a wire. Marina pulled the prop while in the slings.

Call this guy…http://usboathaulers.com/?gclid=Cj0...kyX7aZMZ6MwdPSGhKHevuw1tdawb_qrEaAq4nEALw_wcB

Bennett

 

[jmauld]

Ask if you can pull the radar and antenna off of the arch instead.

my 390 was transported with the arch and rudders in place.

 

[jmauld]

Ask if you can pull the radar and antenna off of the arch instead.

my 390 was transported with the arch and rudders in place.