Mast or arch?

[Bogue Falaya]

I am looking at a 43E PH and wanted to hear from owners on there reasons for choosing one over the other. Personally leaning toward the mast for clean look and simplicity. Thanks in advance.

 

[Nick14]

FWIW, I picked an arch for my upcoming Helmsman 38 Sedan.

I agree a mast looks more traditional, and to my old-guy eyes, looks 'better.' But I picked the arch because I thought it would be more functional. I thought it would both allow better sightlines aft (without a mast blocking the view along the centerline), as well as leave more usable space on the upper deck for handling a dinghy.

There's no right or wrong, it's purely a personal choice. Whatever floats your boat (pun intended).

 

[jimdavi]

Arch if you ever want a top for shade. We have a hard top and no canvas.

 

[tpbrady]

Arch because there is more real estate for separation of antennas and a good platform for Starlink.

Tom

 

[Insequent]

Courtesy flags, and signal flags are normally flown from the starboard spreader. Of course you can have a short mast on an arch (or hardtop) to achieve this.

 

[Comodave]

Arch for the reasons mentioned above.

 

[Benthic2]

How prevalant are bridges in your area ?? I would have to think a mast would be easier to lower than an arch for bridge clearance if that is an issue for you.

 

[rslifkin]

I had the same thought as Benthic. Mast if it'll need to be regularly lowered for clearance, arch or hardtop otherwise.

 

[SIBERNUT]

You guys got me thinking about an arch. Can anyone PM me or post pics of a classic style trawler with one ?

 

[DBG8492]

You guys got me thinking about an arch. Can anyone PM me or post pics of a classic style trawler with one ?

Our 86 MT Sundeck has an arch.

 

[Bogue Falaya]

Thanks for all the input. After looking at various pics I like the arch option as it does free up deck space and allows more mounting real estate.

 

[CharlieO.]

Our 86 MT Sundeck has an arch.

I thought you had a big ol potted plant on your arch.

 

[DBG8492]

I thought you had a big ol potted plant on your arch.

HA!

I didn't even notice that - but I wouldn't have been shocked to find that was the case when we took possession :lol:

 

[O C Diver]

I prefer the mast as it's easier to lower for bridges. My pilot house roof offers better locations for antennas.

Ted

 

[SIBERNUT]

TKS DBG. I'm thinking aluminum tube type. I've seen a few on the web, I may just do it. Phelps is only 30 ft. Might visually overpower it.

 

[DBG8492]

TKS DBG. I'm thinking aluminum tube type. I've seen a few on the web, I may just do it. Phelps is only 30 ft. Might visually overpower it.

Ah! I don't think I have ever seen a classic look trawler with a tube arch - but the admiral claims I am not all that observant so perhaps I just didn't notice...

I have plans in my head - not committed to paper yet - to cut the top of that arch off and use it as aft supports for a hard top Bimini extending to the forward end of the pilothouse. It will end up being a little shorter and whatever sender/receiver/antennas that need to can go on top of it - along with several solar panels.

Again though - just turning it over in my brain. Not going to start building it tomorrow or anything...

 

[Comodave]

We put an arch on a previous boat from Atlantic Towers. They have an anodized aluminum arch kit in a box. It is pretty adjustable so it will fit a variety of boats. It is designed to hinge down easily. It took 2 of us a day to install.

 

[chanprr]

On our H38E the mast gave her a nice profile, but seemed to be in the way when we had folks spread out on the flybridge and settee. So the arch was selected for the new H46.

 

[Benthic2]

You guys got me thinking about an arch. Can anyone PM me or post pics of a classic style trawler with one ?

I'm not sure a Bayliner is a "classic style trawler" but.....

 

[Benthic2]

here's a Mainship 34 ( I think ) with a Hardtop.

 

[Max1]

This spring I rebuilt my flybridge deck from scratch. The new deck is completely waterproof with no perforations (everything is bonded to the deck; no holes or screws)
The old deck had a mast and the admiral hated the rigging that was always in the way, not to mention the mast itself.

We did without the mast this summer and it was fantastic. As a temporary measure, I used an Aluminum 8' by 1" square tube clamped to the handrails to mount the masthead/anchor light and the TV antenna. The admiral (and I) LOVED the extra space we now have on our flybridge deck. It worked so well that this winter I am fabricating an arch for 2024
No more mast for us!

 

[NWboater2]

Trying to attach a photo of our gb 42 eu with a factory arch. It’s the one in my avatar if that’s the right word
[/ATTACH]. This one folds back but haven’t used that feature.

 

[danderer]

here's a Mainship 34 ( I think ) with a Hardtop.

Our old boat. Custom hardtop from Atlantic Towers.

 

[danderer]

Ah! I don't think I have ever seen a classic look trawler with a tube arch - but the admiral claims I am not all that observant so perhaps I just didn't notice..

There are a few of us around:

 

[Explorer]

Mast or Arch

How about both?

 

[Explorer]

Arch vs mast

Here's a better picture

 

[arthurn]

The arch gives an open space on the bridge for entertainment.

 

[Helmsman]

We elected to get an arch. We added a fridge and grill up top which worked out great. The fridge and grill are on the inside of the arch on the starboard side with the settee on the port side. The space between the two works really well. We would not have been able to do that without the arch. We have found the area up top great for entertaining and enjoying the day after a cruise. The arch allows for better sight lines too.

 

[SIBERNUT]

Ok guys - for several reasons I'm going arch. I'll post in for sale soon, but any interest in my mast ? Looks typical 94 " high. PM me pls

 

[SIBERNUT]

After MUCH deliberation with self, I have bought a used arch. Posting if anyone wants the original mast pls PM me (30' senator, oceana, etc lookalike).