Removing Radar Arch on 400 DA

Riptide III

Riptide III

3D
Dec 8, 2007
1,139
Dartmouth MA
Boat Info
1997 Sea Ray 400DA
Cat 3116 TA
1994 Sea Ray Laguna CC 250 Tohatsu
Engines
:
I was wondering if anyone has removed an arch off a 400. I have removed all wiring and electronics. There are 4 bolts and two small ss screws on each side. The nuts for the forward most 3 screws are accessible via the cabinet under the sink. Question: Do I need to pull the electrical panel to access the aft most nut?
On the starboard side there is no access at all. I am thinking of cutting an access panel about 5x10" and then screwing a cover over it.
Next, the two a mall screws on each side of the arch appear to be screwed from inside the window Chanel into the arch. I don't want to remove the window. Question, it appears that if I leave the screws in, the aft chrome part of the window Chanel will come off with the arch. I.E. Can I leave the screws in and pull it out with the arch? Any ideas?
 
First question is why? I would be certain you will not need to cut anything. Hopefully someone will chime in.
 
Riptide why would you mess around with the arch in the first place unless your transporting the boat from one location to another.The fine engineers at Sea Ray designed that arch for a reason.you must trust the "force" Luke.Leave well enough alone.Beside your 400 will never look a good as mine.xx00
 
So many smart ass answers just went thru my head. But I'm bigger than that. I'm not going to say anything like what is it to you "why". As for you Jim, don't get me started. I was waiting to see what your response would be. You looked like you were getting ill just watching me tear it up. But seriously Bahama, I am making a hardtop for it. It looks like the only access to the starboard was before they glassed in the top deck component that the companion seat mounts to. Thanks Bahama for asking. As for you Jim, have a good night.
 
Thanks for taking my comment seriously, I would certainly think the arch was one on the last things installed when being built. I know we have different boats, but we are similar. To get the starboard side off of ours, we have to remove all starboard trim panels and the bolts are there. Might be worth a call to Sea Ray or a boat transporter, they probably have to do it sometime. I would love to see the final pics of your project. I think I would love to do the same thing.
 
I agree that it seems like it would be one of the last things but looking at my boat it looks like the second to the last thing. Calling Sea Ray sounds like the answer. I will give this post a little while longer. If it doesn't bear any fruit I'll bother Sea Ray.
Thank You
 
I just looked at some pics of a 400DA on Yachtworld. My guess is remove the sink. I think they are just caulked in place.
 
All of the large fasteners can be accessed behind the trim pieces the speakers are mounted in. The question is; what about the underside of the fasteners if access to those are needed. Port side - maybe you can see from the locker under the sink or drop the Main DC panel out and look up there. The Starboard side - honestly I don't know of any access except for that little aft locker which is way aft or there is a small cut-out under the starboard bench but other than routing wiring I don't know how one would get up to the underside of the bolts.
Maybe luck would have it and the underside of the fasteners is captured and no need to access; simply remove the bolts from behind the speaker panels.
The glass frames were installed with glass in them so any screws will be installed from inside of the arch or from the frames.
 
Different boat but on my 330 the studs are fixed to the base of the arch & the nuts are removed from below. Also, I believe there were 6-8 studs on each side but only 3-4 nuts from the factory. Some of my bolts were accessed by removing bulkheads fwd of the lockers on either side.

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Have nothing to add regarding the arch removal but I'll bet there will be quite the audience that wants to follow you hardtop project. Please post your progress.
 
Will certainly post progress however, at a standstill. The port side does have nuts that 3 of the 4 can be accessed from under the sink compartment with some difficulty. The forth is probably available thru the electrical panel. The tough part will be the starboard side. I think I will have to cut a small access panel under the speaker panel. I have no problem doing so if that is the only way. I just don't want to cut it then have someone chime in later with a better idea. Thanks for the input. It is appreciated.
Renderings are in my head. Don't have a plug that fits any of my ports.
 
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The arch on a 400 isn't removed for road transport. My 390...renamed a 400 went from NY to Seattle. Gear on top of the arch is removed though. Am interested to watch this thread to see the outcome.

0ef76925af40ffb9fb8c59dd2526be18.jpg




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Tman said:
The arch on a 400 isn't removed for road transport. My 390...renamed a 400 went from NY to Seattle. Gear on top of the arch is removed though. Am interested to watch this thread to see the outcome.

0ef76925af40ffb9fb8c59dd2526be18.jpg




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Totally differnt hull, his older 400DA is a lot larger than the newer 39/40DA you've got.

im guessing there is a way to drop the arch without cutting anything. Every 400/410DA that I've seen moved has had the arch down.
 
Ah....I missed the year of his vessel.


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I tried to call Sea Raay today but they are closed for the holiday.
 
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